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Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a calculated number that comes from a person’s height and weight. It is a pretty reliable gauge of body fat. It does not directly measure body fat, but studies show a direct relation of BMI with directly measuring body fat. It is an alternative way to measure body fat. It is a cheap and simple way to test for categories that can cause health issues.

The numbers can be used to discover any possible weight issues in adults. It is not an diagnostic tool. You can have a high BMI. Further testing should be done by a doctor.

Using BMI is one of the best techniques for assessing how many people are overweight or obese. Since height and weight are the only numbers needed, it is cheap and simple for doctors and the public to do. BMI lets people compare their weight to the rest of the population.

The BMI for children and adults is figured the same way. Using kilograms the formula is heaviness/height squared. For pounds and inches the formula is heaviness/height squared x 703.

If you are 20 or older, your BMI is based on standard weight groups that apply to all ages and sexes. For children and those under 20 age and sex have to be taken into consideration.

The standard weight status for adults is as follows:’. 5 to 24. 9 underweight, 25. 0 to 29. 0 overweight, 30 or more obese.

A connection between body and BMI does exist. The connection does differ by sex, race and age.

Remember, BMI is only one factor to consider for risk for disease. To check someone’s chances of becoming overweight or obesity related diseases, consider two other factors. The individual’s waist circumference is one factor. Other risk factors include diseases and conditions associated with obesity.

BMI group status puts people into the overweight group is their BMI number is over 25. For those with a BMI of 30 or more, they fall into the group of obese.

Remember, though, that BMI does not directly measure body fat and that it is figured from a person’s weight which includes muscle and fat. So, some may have a high BMI but not have a high percentage of body fat. The majority of those with a BMI in the 30 or higher range have higher levels of body fat.

Risks related to disease include numerous factors not just weight. Remember this when figuring your BMI.

BMI ranges are based on the connection of body weight, disease and death. Overweight or obese people are at a greater risk for many health conditions and diseases.

When trying to find the BMI for children use the same method as is done for adults. The standards that are used are the only difference. The age or sex of an individual affects the BMI. Body fat can change with age. Boys are different than girls when it comes to body fat.

After the BMI is figured, the number is put on the CDC BMI that is used for age growth map to determine the percentile. They are the most widely used technique to find out the size and growth patterns of children in the United States. The percentile points to the corresponding point of the child’s BMI with other children of the same age and sex. The growth map shows the weight status categories used with children and teens.

Learn more about your body mass index. Stop by Greg White’s site where you can find an easy to use BMI calculator and many more interactive health tools.