Body Mass Index

To know whether one is fat or thin, underweight or obese, we would always refer to Body Mass Index (BMI). What is BMI?

The body mass index (BMI), or Quetelet index, is a statistical measure which compares a person's weight and height. Though it does not actually measure the percentage of body fat, it is used to estimate a healthy body weight based on a person's height. Due to its ease of measurement and calculation, it is the most widely used diagnostic tool to identify weight problems within a population, usually whether individuals are underweight, overweight or obese.

 What are the categories?

A frequent use of the BMI is to assess how much an individual's body weight departs from what is normal or desirable for a person of his or her height. The weight excess or deficiency may, in part, be accounted for by body fat (adipose tissue) although other factors such as muscularity also affect BMI significantly. The WHO regard a BMI of less than 18.5 as underweight and may indicate malnutrition, an eating disorder, or other health problems, while a BMI greater than 25 is considered overweight and above 30 is considered obese. These ranges of BMI values are valid only as statistical categories when applied to adults, and do not predict health.

Here is a sample of BMI table based on my height:

I highlighted Obese Class I because that is where I am now. All these while, without me realizing, I am already an obese. Before this, the mention of the word obese reminds me to people as big as the Nutty Profesor or Big Momma. Little did I know I AM already obese. 

We always hear how obesity leads to alot of health problem. At 29, I feel I am still young to get a stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes. But if I do not take care of my diet and my body, I might be able to get all that. As an obese, I am a high risk person. If I were to get H1N1, they will put me in ICU because I am considered high risk just like those over 60 years old. I don't want to be a high risk person! I want to be a healthy person. I want to live long and see my kid(s) get married and have their own happy family.

From today, I vowed I will get myself out of the Obese Category and even the Overweight Category. I have to bring myself to the normal category. I am doing this not only for myself, but for my loved ones too.

So, what is your BMI?

Credit to http://iwant2bslimagain.blogspot.com