Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number that reflects the relationship between your height and weight. It is widely used in healthcare and public health to categorize body size and estimate the potential risk of weight-related diseases. Although not perfect, BMI can be a useful first step in determining whether someone is at higher risk for chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or certain cancers. However, it does not always provide a complete picture of a person’s health.
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height squared (m²)
For a person weighing 75 kilograms and standing 1.65 meters tall, the BMI is calculated as follows:
1.65 x 1.65 = 2.72 m².
75/2.72 = 27.5
BMI The normal range is 18.5–24.9, with 40 and above indicating severe obesity. This provides a rough estimate of body fat and health risks. A low BMI (BMI < 18.5) is associated with the following risks: Weakened immune function, Nutritional deficiencies, Reproductive issues, Osteoporosis and bone fractures, Muscle wasting. As BMI increases, the risk of the following conditions increases: Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and certain cancers (such as breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer).
However, BMI alone is not sufficient. Laboratory tests help assess factors that BMI cannot evaluate:
1. Waist circumference; Men: Waist > 40 inches, Women: Waist > 35 inches indicate a high risk.
2. Body composition analysis; Scales such as SECA or InBody provide a clearer picture by dividing weight into: Fat mass, Muscle mass, Water weight.
3. DEXA scan; Accurate body fat percentage, Fat distribution (abdominal and limb), Bone density.
4. Metabolic health markers; Blood pressure, Fasting glucose or HbA1c, Lipid panel (cholesterol), Inflammation markers.
