Why are BMIs useful ?

BMI Calculator

Hello and welcome to BMIcalculator.ie.The easy and simple method to determine your body mass index. The BMI can tell the extent to which you are obese, overweight or normal. For those who are conscious regarding their health, calculating BMI could lead to a change in lifestyle that could adversely affect your present or future health. Enter your height and weight into the calculator and get answers in an instant.Take control of the state of your health now!

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Is your body mass index ( BMI) really have any bearing?

There are several reasons why a medical professional takes your weight and height during your annual checkup--one of them being that they are able to calculate your measure of body mass (BMI). The question is what exactly is BMI? Is it really need to be considered?

What is BMI?

It is a measure of how tall you are. BMI is a measurement of your height-to-weight ratio (e.g. the taller it is, you'll weigh heavier you're likely to weigh). Every person's BMI lies somewhere on an scale, which categorizes the person's weight as either underweight, healthy or a level of obesity:

• Underweight: BMI under 18.5
• Healthy: BMI between 18.5-24.9
• Overweight: BMI between 25-29.9
• Obesity BMI at least 30

How do I determine my BMI?

One of the easiest ways to figure out your BMI is by searching for a no-cost BMI calculator on the internet. If you locate one that you are happy with, all you need to enter is your weight and height.

Are BMI an accurate assessment on my health?

Yes and no. BMI is a useful tool that healthcare professionals can use to rapidly identify health risks--for example, anyone with a high BMI is more likely of developing heart disease and diabetes, but your BMI alone isn't an accurate image about your health. Regardless of your BMI the most important thing is that your physician is aware of your family history and lifestyle choices which could impact your health.

The Gundersen Dietitian registered Laura Birkel says: "Making sure you're getting enough activity, staying away from nicotine, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a good balanced diet are better indicators of your overall health than your BMI alone."

It's also worth keeping in the back of your head that your BMI may not accurately reflect your body's specific composition, such as the proportion of muscle versus fat you possess. You could increase your exercise and notice that your clothes begin to fit differently , yet your weight or BMI remains unchanged. This is because the composition on your body's structure is altering (you're adding muscle mass and burning fat).

OK. What is the point of your BMI matter then?

Knowing your BMI can help your healthcare team to understand what treatment choices are available for you in particular if your BMI is higher than 30 and you'd like enhance your health. For instance, if are considering taking weight loss aiding medicines or trying a medically supervised meal-replacement program it is necessary to have an BMI above 30. For bariatric surgery, your BMI should be at or above 40. However, there are some exemptions for those who have a BMI that is between 30 and 40.

"BMI is a baseline measurement to help dictate where we go in terms of what kind of plan or program is most appropriate for a patient," Birkel says. "The number is not meant to define someone's health. It's meant to guide their care where it needs to go."