BODY MASS INDEX(BMI)
Decoding BMI: Understanding the Basics of Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical measurement that helps assess whether an individual’s weight is proportionate to their height. It’s a widely used tool to categorize a person’s weight status and provide a general indication of whether they might be underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
Is BMI interpreted the same way for children and teens as it is for adults?
BMI is interpreted differently for children and teens, even though it is calculated using the same formula as adult BMI. Children and teen’s BMI need to be age and sex-specific because the amount of body fat changes with age and the amount of body fat differs between girls and boys. The CDC BMI-for-age growth charts take into account these differences and visually show BMI as a percentile ranking.
Is BMI interpreted the same way for children and teens as it is for adults?
People who have obesity are at increased risk for many diseases and health conditions, including the following:
- All-causes of death (mortality)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides (dyslipidemia)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Osteoarthritis (a breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint)
- Sleep apnea and breathing problems
- Chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress19,20
- Some cancers (endometrial, breast, colon, kidney, gallbladder, and liver)