Weight Loss: What Is Your BMI?

by Angel Lynn Diamond | More from this Blogger

17 Feb 2009 05:46 PM

I had not heard of BMI or body mass index until about 10 or so years ago. Before that I just went by the height/weight charts that the doctor used. Now, not only do we have to worry about our numbers in weight, clothing size numbers, and the measuring tape reality, we also have to contend with falling into a healthy BMI range.

BMI, or body mass index, is the measurement that gauges the relation of your height to your weight. This measurement will determine your "fatness" factor and let you know if you are in a healthy range. This was actually started in the 1800s by a Belgian man named Adolphe Quetelet during a physics study. This simple calculation can let you know if you are overweight, just the right weight or underweight. A healthy and normal BMI measures between 18.5 and 25. You can measure your body mass index at http://www.dietnation.com/weight-loss-tools/bmi-calculator.aspx.

To determine your BMI all you need to do is put in a few numbers, such as current weight, height, whether you are a male or a female, and age. Men would normally be allowed a greater body mass index than a woman based on muscle mass. If you are athletic, this is also taken into consideration.

If your body mass index numbers are on the high side losing weight will bring it down to a more acceptable, healthy number. This process will take some time as losing weight cannot be done overnight. Losing too much weight in too short of a time period is not a good thing. Studies have shown that people who do this tend to put the pounds right back on. Losing approximately 2 to 3 pounds a week allows the body to adjust to a new way of healthy eating. This new lifestyle adjustment will help you to keep the pounds away long after you have settled on your goal weight.

Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health

Learn more about Angel Lynn Diamond

I am a mom to my precious one and only, a nurse in a heartwarming adult living facility, and a freelance writer.

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Samual (11722) 19 Feb 2009 09:55 AM

You need the point out the flaws as well, Rugby players for example who are muscly and lean, are considerd obese or morbidly obese by BMI, this is why doctors in Britain ignore BMI guidelines and take the time to measure body fat % etc

Angel Lynn Diamond (224) 19 Feb 2009 01:33 PM

Oh, yes, for sure. Athletes will have more muscle mass and therefore this is taken into consideration, as I said. I agree with the British doctors. I, myself, do not place to much emphasis on my BMI.