People who are often underweight, overweight and obese are often at the risk of getting some common and chronic disease that may hamper their overall health. A doctor may advise them to go through the BMI test to know where they stand. Based on their BMI scores, they may be directed to a dietician who would chalk out plans to help them reduce or gain weight. The BMI calculator is what is needed to measure the BMI score of an individual.
What is BMI & BMI Full Form
The Full Form of BMI is Body Mass Index. BMI is a useful indication of issues such as obesity and overweight that may further information about the possible risks of general to complicated diseases in individuals. It is calculated based on your weight and height credentials.
BMI is a measure of body fat and possible risks for future ailments. The diseases include diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure (hypertension), specific cancers, gallstones, and breathing disorders.
BMI is used for women and men, but it can have some limits such as:
- It may not provide the correct value of body fats in a sportsperson and people with a well-built body
- It may also underestimate body fat in elders and people who have lost muscles
What is a BMI calculator?
The BMI calculator is a tool that is available on many websites, portals, and apps free of cost. Once you enter your weight and height details, you are provided with a BMI score quickly. The BMI score is an indication of if you are underweight, carrying correct weight, overweight or obese.
Once you enter your height and weight on the BMI calculator, you get to know about the BMI score. You may get a BMI score like 18.5, 27.1, 30.2, 25.9 and more. What do these BMI scores mean? Have a look:
- BMI score of up to 18 – It shows that you are overweight.
- BMI score of 18.1 to 25 – It means that you are carrying normal weight.
- BMI score of 25.1 to 29.9 – It depicts that you are carrying extra weight and are overweight.
- BMI score of 30.0 and beyond – It shows that you are obese.
What are the Risk Factors for Carrying Extra Weight?
If the BMI calculator shows that you have a higher BMI score, then it makes you prone to many common to chronic lifestyle diseases in the future. Take a look at risk factors that your health may have in the future:
- Cardiovascular problems
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High LDL – bad cholesterol
- Lower HDL – good cholesterol
- Higher triglycerides
- High blood sugar (diabetes)
What to do when you are diagnosed with a Higher and lower BMI Score?
Both conditions – being underweight and overweight are not good for overall health. You may face issues like osteoporosis, risk of complications from surgery if any, fertility issues, growth and development issues, malnutrition, and more. If you are overweight, then you may be at the risk of heart issues, diabetes, hypertension, cancers, kidney ailments, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and more.
You can rush to your certified medical practitioner who would direct you to an expert dietician or nutritionist.
In turn, they will assess your condition and chalk out a diet plan for you so that you lose or gain weight without compromising on nutrition. This way, you will be brought to a weight range where it is found to be acceptable for a healthy individual.
It is high time to start your weight loss and gain program if you have a lower or higher BMI score. It will help you to avoid all possible health scars in the future and have a good life.
Also, Read This: Ideal Ways To Lead A Healthy Lifestyle