Our perceptions of overweight or obese are extremely skewed as Americans because we identify a “normal weight” with one that would actually be categorized as overweight. Often we don’t consider people overweight until they would actually be categorized as obese.
Perceptions asides, let’s discuss the standard for designation of body weight categories. An equation or chart is used to calculate a persons’ Body Mass Index or BMI. This is a measurement that uses your height and weight to determine if you are close to “normal” or “ideal” body weight. Though it is a valuable tool to identify the need for weight loss and even weight gain for the average person, it too has its faults as it does not take into account bone density or muscle mass. With that being said, body builders of the world, this is not a reliable indicator of your body weight category because muscle weighs more than fat.
Why do we care about our BMI’s? Healthcare professionals use your BMI to assess your risk for developing chronic diseases that are associated with excessive weight gain such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes - all in the top 10 leading causes of death within the United States.
Want to know your BMI? Use the “BMI for Adults Widget” on the side tool bar if you are 20 years of age or older. If you want to know the BMI of your child or teen follow this link: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/
Perceptions asides, let’s discuss the standard for designation of body weight categories. An equation or chart is used to calculate a persons’ Body Mass Index or BMI. This is a measurement that uses your height and weight to determine if you are close to “normal” or “ideal” body weight. Though it is a valuable tool to identify the need for weight loss and even weight gain for the average person, it too has its faults as it does not take into account bone density or muscle mass. With that being said, body builders of the world, this is not a reliable indicator of your body weight category because muscle weighs more than fat.
Why do we care about our BMI’s? Healthcare professionals use your BMI to assess your risk for developing chronic diseases that are associated with excessive weight gain such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes - all in the top 10 leading causes of death within the United States.
Want to know your BMI? Use the “BMI for Adults Widget” on the side tool bar if you are 20 years of age or older. If you want to know the BMI of your child or teen follow this link: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/
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