BMI index: what it is and what it’s used for
If you have recently begun to learn more about health and fitness and expand your knowledge, you have probably heard the term body mass index. If the concept is new to you, you may be wondering what the body mass index is and how it is used. You may also wonder why it is essential in your fitness journey. If you want to learn more about body mass index and its importance, we can help. Read on for all the information you need.
What is the body mass index?
A Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement that is a ratio of your weight and height. It is often used to gauge whether your body weight is in proportion to your height. Your BMI can help to indicate whether you are underweight, within the ideal weight range or overweight.
Why is Body Mass Index important?
Your BMI can help indicate if you might suffer from any health risks if your BMI is outside of the healthy range. It is suggested that your BMI can help medical doctors determine if an individual is at risk of developing any of the following issues:
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Arthritis
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea
• Several different varieties of cancer
• Other health issues related to being over or underweight
Why you shouldn’t only rely on your BMI
While the Body Mass Index can help screen adults and children for healthy weight ranges, there are limits to its usefulness. It is generally an estimate of your body fat. However, this isn’t always correct.
Since it cannot determine exact percentages of fat, muscle, or even skeletal weight, it isn’t always the perfect indicator of health. Body composition is as essential as overall body weight. BMI doesn’t consider the muscularity of an individual and generally is not considered to give accurate readings for athletes, the elderly, or pregnant women.
Individuals who are particularly muscular and athletic may have a BMI that suggests that they are overweight as muscle weighs more than fat.
Additionally, body composition can vary by both race and ethnicity. Ranges that may predict health in one ethnic group are not necessarily correct for another group.
While your BMI can certainly help give you an overall suggestion about the state of your health and body weight, it shouldn’t be the only factor. It is much more accurate when used with other medical and health tests to give a better overall picture of your health.
Get in contact with our team today
Understanding your Body Mass Index is important (to determine your BMI, use our Calculator). However, it should never override other tests to determine your overall health and fitness level. It is a helpful tool when utilised with other in-depth tests.
For further information, browse our site at www.pickspt.com.au. The expert and friendly Picks PT Team offers a FREE 30-minute initial consultation.
Feel free to call our team today on 0420 998 460. We’re proud to service Macarthur, Campbelltown, Mount Annan, Camden and surrounding areas.