Perfect BMI - Body Mass Index

What is BMI?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index, which refers to a calculation used by health care professionals to determine whether a person is maintaining a healthy weight. A healthy BMI will fall between 18.5 and 25. A number lower than 18.5 indicates that the individual is underweight, while a BMI higher than 25 indicates that the person is overweight. Someone with a BMI over 30 is considered obese.

Weight gain and how it affects our bodies is an important part of our lifestyle, so knowing what your Body mass Index is essential. An important note is that everyone has his or her own individual BMI, so for each person, there is a different “normal.” You should also know that a person’s BMI measures weight as it relates to one’s height, not how one’s body looks. As long as your BMI falls within the healthy range, you are on your way to maintaining good healthy practices.

For many, the idea of a normal or “perfect BMI” seems unattainable because of their present weight and lifestyle; and for these individuals, focusing on their health and weight loss becomes a priority. With a Body Mass Index that is too high, comes additional health concerns, such as being a major risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels, in addition to physical issues such as arthritis, and additional pressure being put on joints. Many health concerns can be the result of high BMI’s, though excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle can increase of these health problems also.

Some will think they have the perfect BMI, when in reality they are under what is considered normal. In these cases, it is usually due to a disorder called anorexia nervosa. With a BMI below 18.5, the body is not able to sustain the energy it needs to survive, leading to health issues and leaving the individual with an increased risk for developing heart problems, such as impaired ventricular function and a greater risk of mortality when faced with cardiac surgery.

For those who are overweight, the focus should be not only on dieting, but also to developing a healthier lifestyle when it comes to eating and physical activity. If a “crash diet” is attempted, the focus is not on the body, but merely helping the person to feel better about one’s self. This sort of thinking, in the long run, can complicate existing medical conditions or prolong the treatment of an illness. The focus needs to be on maintaining the body’s needs, and what foods and nutrients it needs to function. Exercise should be included also.

In the case of a low BMI, the approach should be similar, though focus is on gaining weight at a healthy and safe rate, while helping the person to understand the importance of keeping his or her body healthy. In both cases, knowing the current BMI and what it should be will aid in taking the steps needed to maintain a healthy body and mind.