Why Should You Care About Your BMI ?
America has an obesity problem.
Nearly two out of every three
Americans are overweight or
obese, according to the Surgeon General.
And, if you’re like many Americans, you
may wonder if you’re overweight.
Your body mass index, or BMI, can tell you whether your weight might be a health problem. The term BMI is used frequently these days, but do you know what it means and how to find out yours?
What Is My BMI?
BMI is a way of measuring a person’s height and weight ratio to determine if the person is overweight, underweight, or within a healthy weight range.“BMI is a quick, simple way to identify possible weight problems in adults,” says Don Martin, Internal Medicine physician and pediatrician at Dexter Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. “The measurement is a good first step, but cannot be used by itself to determine if the person needs to lose weight. For instance, a person may have a high BMI, but if that weight is due to muscle mass, as in a professional athlete, the BMI is misleading. That’s why it’s important to have a doctor talk with you about your BMI and then consider other factors to determine whether you are at risk for health problems.”
How Do I Figure Out My BMI?
BMI is calculated the same way for all adults age 20 and up.
For example, if you weigh 160 pounds and are 5'6" tall (66 inches), you would calculate {160 ÷ (66)2} x 703 = BMI of 25.8. You can also find many BMI calculators online and will probably receive a BMI measurement at your next doctor’s visit.
What Does My BMI Mean?
“Being within the ‘normal’ range usually means you are at the lowest risk for certain chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers,” Martin says. “If you are in the overweight or obese range, you may want to see your doctor and talk about a plan to help you avoid these chronic conditions.”
Martin also notes that with his pediatric patients, BMI is calculated very differently. “A five-year-old girl’s BMI should not be evaluated in the same way as a 13-year-old girl’s,” he says. “A child’s body fat changes throughout the years, so it’s best to see your pediatrician to talk about a healthy weight for your child.”
Finally, Martin says, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about your BMI and what you can do to improve it, if needed. “Your physician should listen to your concerns and be happy to talk with you about ways to lead a healthy life. That’s what we’re here for.”
