WHAT IS BODY MASS INDEX(BMI)?

Body mass index(BMI) is the measure of a person's weight in relation to his height.

Your body mass index will show an indirect measure of body fat percentage.

Body mass index is by far the commonest indicator of the ideal weight for the height of a person.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF BODY MASS INDEX?

Body mass index is relevant to determine whether your body weight poses health risks like type 2 diabetes,acid reflux,sleep apnea,hypertension,etc.For example,if you have a high BMI of about 4o,it means you are prone to have hypertension as compared to another person with a body mass index of 28.

It is also a good tool for monitoring your weight loss progress.

DOES BMI HAVE ANY LIMITATIONS?

Even though body mass index is easy to calculate and could be used by almost everyone,there are a few setbacks.
People with more muscles for example,athletes would record a high BMI,which doesn't

necessarily mean they are overweight or obese.

In addition,some people of identical weight and height might record a similar body mass index but would have different body fat percentage.

IS THERE A BETTER OPTION TO BMI?

BMI despite its limitations has been approved by the World Health Organization(WHO).

Another alternative to BMI is the waist to hip ratio.

A high BMI is an indication that you are obese or overweight.People with high BMI are at a very high risk. Therefore knowing your BMI would help track your weight loss progress.