BMI is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. BMI does not determine body fat directly, but research has actually shown that BMI is moderately correlated with more direct measures of body fat gotten from skinfold density measurements, bioelectrical impedance, densitometry (underwater weighing), double energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and other techniques. Additionally, BMI seems as highly correlated with various metabolic and disease result as are these more direct procedures of body fatness. In general, BMI is a economical and easy-to-perform approach of evaluating for weight classification, for example underweight, regular or healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.
How is BMI utilized?
A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness. BMI can be utilized as a screening tool but is not diagnostic of the body fatness or health of an individual.
To identify if a high BMI is a health threat, a doctor would require to carry out more evaluations. These assessments might consist of skinfold density measurements, assessments of diet, physical activity, family history, and other suitable health screenings.
What are the BMI patterns for adults in the United States?
The frequency of adult BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (overweight status) has actually greatly increased since the 1970s. Just recently, however, this trend has leveled off, except for older ladies. Obesity has actually continued to increase in adult females who are age 60 years and older.
Why is BMI used to measure overweight and obesity?
BMI can be used for population assessment of overweight and obesity. It is economical and simple to use for clinicians and for the general public due to the fact that computation requires only height and weight. BMI can be utilized as a screening tool for body fatness however is not diagnostic.
What are a few of the other methods to assess excess body fatness besides BMI?
Other methods to determine body fatness consist of skinfold thickness measurements (with calipers), underwater weighing, bioelectrical impedance, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and isotope dilution 1,2,3. However, these methods are not always easily available, and they are either expensive or need to be carried out by extremely trained personnel. Moreover, a number of these approaches can be challenging to standardize throughout observers or machines, making complex comparisons throughout studies and time periods.
How is BMI translated for adults?
For adults 20 years old and older, BMI is interpreted utilizing standard weight status categories. These categories are the same for males and females of all body types and ages.