We have all heard the stats and know that obesity has increased significantly over the last couple of decades. How do we measure where we fit? Should we care?
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a universal indicator of an individual’s weight in relation to their height. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in centimeters squared.
BMI = Weight (kg)
Height² (cm)
Index score Weight category
<18.5 Under weight
18.5 – 24.9 Normal
25.0 – 29.9 Overweight
30> Obese
A score of 25 will fall under the overweight category, and above 30 is classified as obese.
Although BMI is useful, simple and has been a convention, it is still a crude estimate of body fat mass. For example many lean athletes would be classified as overweight or obese because of their high muscle mass, but would have minimal excess body fat.
A simple rule to weight analysis you can perform is to measure your waist. Central obesity is present when the waist exceeds 90 cm in females and 100 cm in males.
In answer to my second questions at the beginning – should we care? – yes we should. We are responsible for our own body – no one else. So we should all eat healthily, drink lot of water, take good quality supplements and exercise.
Too often I have observed very wealthy people with failing health. I believe that true wealth includes being fit and healthy enough to enjoy your money. Take care of yourself.
Andrew Walker says
Hi there. Thanks for sharing this Sue. I don’t think I’m overweight thou. 🙂
Sue says
Andrew I am not overweight either 🙂 Hey and I should have talked about underweight – but that post was a while back.
Sue
Adam Robinson says
Health is the greatest wealth. I don’t think there’s anything more important.
Sue says
Oh Adam you have said one of my favorite says “heath is the greatest wealth”. That is for sure!
Take care
Sue