Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI)

Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI or Body mass index, is widely used to determine whether an individual's weight falls within a healthy range. It is often used as a screening method to assess potential health risks associated with higher or lower weight ranges.

What does BMI mean?


BMI is a calculation based on an individual's weight and height. It is calculated by dividing an individual's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²). 

This simple numerical value is validated by research to estimate body fat levels.

How to interpret your BMI score?


The World Health Organization (WHO) has established the following BMI categories:

  • Underweight: BMI < 18.5
  • Normal weight: BMI 18.5 - 24.9
  • Overweight: BMI 25.0 - 29.9
  • Obese: BMI ≥ 30.0

While one may rush to place oneself in any of the categories above, it is  important to note that these categories are not definitive. One must also consider other factors, such as age, body composition, muscle mass, and overall health status.

Advantages of BMI:

  1. Simple and easy to calculate
  2. Widely accepted
  3. Mass screening at a population-level

Limitations of BMI:


1. Doesn't account for body composition:

BMI does not differentiate between lean muscle mass and fat mass, which can lead to misleading results for individuals with a high muscle-to-fat ratio, such as athletes or bodybuilders.

2. Variations across populations:

BMI may not be as accurate for certain ethnic groups or individuals with different body types or bone structures.

3. Doesn't consider age or gender:

BMI does not take into account age or gender, which can influence body fat distribution and health risks.

It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation of your overall health and to develop personalized strategies for maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.

We at FFD emphasize people first aim for  a healthy  BMI basis where they begin from.  We’ve found this helps people gain control over diabetes and other ailments.  

In conclusion, while BMI is essential for assessing potential weight-related health risks, one must consider a holistic viewpoint of a person before jumping to any conclusion. 

Moral: To be happy and healthy one need not have a perfect BMI!....It is one part of a multipronged approach to analysing a person’s health.