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How Body Mass Index Works – Set Your Weight Loss
Goals
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by:
Robb Ksiazek
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Many people want to lose a few of those annoying pounds, but they just
don’t know where to start. If only there was some sort of guide that
would help dieters to set goals. Body mass index, or BMI, creates an
opportunity for weight loss enthusiasts to determine their ideal body
weight in order to set their goals.
The index uses your body height and weight to determine problem areas
in your weight. Underweight, normal, overweight, and obese are the
categories the index uses for classification. The categories have their
individual implications as regarded to health and wellbeing.
How is BMI Calculated?
BMI
calculations use a simple formula that can be figured with a
traditional calculator, or pen and paper for that matter. The body mass
index formula = kg/m2. In layman’s terms, your weight in kilograms is
divided by your height in meters squared. The customary or English
measurement formula = (lb/in2) x 703 or weight in pounds divided by
height in inches squared all multiplied by 703. It’s really not as
complicated as it sounds. Try it for yourself.
Interpreting the Index – What it all Means
Your BMI calculation will produce an index somewhere between 14 and 30
or so. You will be categorized as follows:
Below 18.5= Underweight
18.5 – 24.9 = Normal
25.0 – 29.9 = Overweight
30 and Above=Obese
Some BMI charts will break the categories down even further, but this
table is the most common. Children’s
body mass index takes age and maturity into account.
The index for body mass was created to evaluate the level of risk
associated with chronic health problems. There is a direct link to your
BMI and certain serious health conditions, such as: heart disease,
hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
There are some drawbacks to body mass calculation as every person is
different. Common sense should be used to evaluate the findings, even
those who fall in the middle of a specified range of the index. Those
with more athletic builds and leaner builds certainly need to
understand the objectivity of BMI. Even though there is some grey area,
body mass indexing is still quite useful.
Goal Setting and the Index
The index is useful on a variety of fronts, but the major application
is weight control. Those with a low body weight should get it up into
the normal range, as those with excessive weight should bring it down.
Those that are on the cusp of the trouble areas can probably do well on
their own, while those closer to the extreme should consult a medical
doctor. Health professionals are well equipped to get you on the right
program and give you the best advice for your individual situation.
If your plans are to begin some sort of diet and
exercise routine, your ultimate goal should leave you in the
normal range. Goal setting is important in weight loss as in many other
arenas, but your body requires some special consideration. It’s the
only one you have.
An ideal weight goal is necessary to have, but if it is the only one,
you may become discouraged with your progress. Setting and meeting
intermediate goals give the inspiration that it takes to get to the
next step. Fitness and weight loss don’t happen overnight, no matter
how hard you try. Taking measured steps with frequent evaluation
ensures that you are making progress.
About the Author
Robb Ksiazek is a successful author and publisher
for Body-Mass-Index-4U.com.
He performs ongoing research on dieting, weight loss, and an overall
healthy lifestyle incorporating mind, body, and soul. He strives to
share this information for all to enjoy.
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