BMI is an individual's weight in kgs divided by the square of height in meters. BMI does not measure body fat straight, however research study has shown that BMI is moderately associated with more direct procedures of body fat acquired from skinfold thickness measurements, bioelectrical impedance, densitometry (undersea weighing), dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and other techniques. Additionally, BMI seems as strongly associated with different metabolic and disease result as are these more direct procedures of body fatness. In general, BMI is a low-cost and easy-to-perform technique of screening for weight classification, for instance underweight, normal or healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.
How is BMI utilized?
A high BMI can be an indication of high body fatness. BMI can be used as a screening tool but is not diagnostic of the body fatness or health of an individual.
To determine if a high BMI is a health danger, a doctor would need to perform more evaluations. These evaluations might include skinfold thickness measurements, assessments of diet, physical activity, family history, and other suitable health screenings.
What are the BMI patterns for grownups in the United States?
The frequency of adult BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (overweight status) has greatly increased considering that the 1970s. Just recently, nevertheless, this pattern has actually leveled off, except for older females. Obesity has continued to increase in adult females who are age 60 years and older.
Why is BMI utilized to determine overweight and obesity?
BMI can be used for population evaluation of overweight and obesity. It is affordable and simple to use for clinicians and for the general public because estimation requires only height and weight. BMI can be used as a screening tool for body fatness but is not diagnostic.
What are a few of the other ways to evaluate excess body fatness besides BMI?
Other approaches to determine body fatness include skinfold density measurements (with calipers), undersea weighing, bioelectrical impedance, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and isotope dilution 1,2,3. Nevertheless, these methods are not constantly readily available, and they are either pricey or need to be performed by extremely trained personnel. Additionally, a lot of these techniques can be tough to standardize throughout observers or devices, complicating contrasts across research studies and time periods.
How is BMI interpreted for grownups?
For grownups 20 years old and older, BMI is interpreted using basic weight status classifications. These categories are the same for men and women of all physique and ages.