Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that helps you understand whether your weight is appropriate for your height. It's calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by the square of your height (in meters). This simple calculation provides a useful snapshot of your overall health.
The formula for calculating BMI is:
$$BMI = \frac{m}{l^2}$$
in which $m$ and $l$ are the body mass ($kg$) and length ($m$) of someones body respectively.
Once you've calculated your BMI, you can use the following categories to understand what it means:
| Category | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Underweight | $BMI < 18.5$ |
| Healthy BMI | $BMI = 18.5 - 24.9$ |
| Overweight | $BMI = 25 - 29.9$ |
| Obese | $BMI ≥ 30$ |
Here's what these categories mean:
Underweight : If your BMI is less than 18.5, you may be at risk of malnutrition or other health problems.
Healthy BMI : A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 indicates a healthy weight for your height.
Overweight : A BMI of 25-29.9 suggests that you may need to lose some weight to reduce the risk of related health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Obese : If your BMI is 30 or higher, you are at increased risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Remember, this is just a simple calculation, and it's not a substitute for professional medical advice. However, by understanding your BMI, you can take the first step towards maintaining a healthy weight and reducing your risk of chronic diseases.