Why are BMIs useful ?

Why are BMIs useful?

The BMI is an inexpensive and simple screening instrument used to identify possible problems with weight, for both adults and children. It is a BMI estimation can be helpful in determining who requires further tests to identify dangers to health, like heart disease. Patients at risk of developing heart disease will require more evaluation. Tests can include skin fold thickness test and diet, as well as physical activity levels, family history and other health screenings that are appropriate for the individual.

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Risks related to BMIs that are extreme

BMIBeing either overweight (with an BMI of 25 or more) or being underweight (with an BMI less than 18.5) can impact your health.

Overweight

The people who are overweight or obese are at greater risk of disease compared to people who are in healthier weight categories. The risk of contracting disease increases when you increase your BMI. Individuals who are overweight (BMI 25-29.9) can also be classified as pre-obese and at risk of diseases. In Category 1 obesity (BMI 30-34.9) the risk of developing a mild chance of developing disease. This risk increases to severe and very serious risks at stages 2 of obesity (BMI 35-39.9) as well as 3 (BMI >=40) respectively.

It is crucial to remember that BMI doesn't determine risk alone. Other factors such as what people eat, how frequently they exercise, and the presence of any disease history in their family could affect the risk of developing diseases for an individual. But as a group those who are obese and overweight are at a higher risk of various diseases.

They have a greatly increased risk of:

  • Type 2 Diabetes;
  • Gall bladder disease
  • Hypertension;
  • Dyslipidaemia;
  • Insulin Resistance;
  • Atherosclerosis;
  • Sleep apnoea;
  • Breathlessness
  • Asthma;
  • Depression and social isolation;
  • Fatigue and daytime sleepiness.

They are moderately at risk chance of:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (i.e. stroke, heart attack);
  • Gout /hyperuricaemia;
  • Osteoarthritis;
  • Respiratory disease;
  • Hernia;
  • Psychological problems.

They have a slightly higher likelihood of:

  • Certain types of cancer (breast colon, endometrial and breast cancers);
  • Reproductive anomalies;
  • Low fertility;
  • Polycystic-ovarian syndrome
  • Skin disorders;
  • Cataract;
  • Varicose veins;
  • Conditions of the Musculoskeletal system;
  • Bad back;
  • Incontinence due to stress;
  • Oedema/cellulitis.

Underweight

In the event of being overweight, a person could be undernourished. Additionally, they are at an increased risk of developing health issues including:

  • Affected immune system, with an increase in susceptibility to infections;
  • Anaemia;
  • Osteoporosis;
  • Menstrual irregularities;
  • Affected fertility.


What are the limitations of the BMI?

BMILimitations related to the BMI are:

  • BMI can vary based on age gender, and race. Therefore, one's BMI cannot be compared to those of the same gender, race, and age.
  • BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle and will therefore underestimate in some instances, while overestimating in others (e.g. An athlete could have a high BMI because of the higher amount of muscle, rather than fat).
  • Older or disabled people are less muscular and consequently will have lower BMI. It does not mean that their weight isn't normal or not enough.
  • Women who are pregnant will also be more obese BMI because of the increased weight caused by pregnancy, but not necessarily due to increased fat. BMI will underestimate body fat in this situation. Pregnancy BMI and weight gain during pregnancy should be used to evaluate the weight of a woman and the necessity for physical and nutritional interventions.
  • BMI does not distinguish between body fat distribution. The fat on the abdomen ("apple" physique) is more harmful than that around the hips ("pear" body shape) however, this will not be analyzed in the BMI.

See your healthcare provider for other physical measures that may need to be used together with BMI in order to evaluate health risks associated with obesity.


Other ways to measure obesity


Table 2: Other measures of obesity

Measure Description
Waist circumference Waist circumference (WC) is a great gauge of abdominal fat and can be used to identify the risk of health problems. It is measured by putting an unstratified tape measurement around the narrowest part of your waist over the top of your light or even no clothing.For men:>94 cm (37 inch) Increased risk> 102 inches (40 inch) Significantly increased risk women:> 80cm ( 31 inches) greater risk 85 cm (35 inch) Risque is also affected by ethnicity and health risk are greater with a lower waist circumference in certain ethnic groups like Aboriginal, Pacific Islander, South Asian, Chinese and Japanese populations.
Hip circumference The hip circumference (HC) is determined by putting a tape around the widest area of your hips over only a small amount of clothing. HC is not useful on its own; usually it is used as the ratio of WC to previously mentioned.
The ratio of hips to waist Waist to hip ratio (WHR) is the ratio of your waist circumference to your hip circumference. For females , the standard WHR is about 0.80 For men, it's 0.95.
Waist-height ratio Waist to height ratio refers to the ratio of your waist circumference to height.

More information

For more information about nutrition, which includes information about types and composition of food in relation to nutrition and people with health issues such as diets and recipe as well as useful videos and resources, see Nutrition.
For more information on overweight, social health, as well as methods of weight loss, and other useful tools, visit the article Weight Loss.

References

  1. National Health and Medical Research Council. Clinical Management Guidelines for the treatment of overweight and obesity in children, adolescents, and adults in Australia. 2013. [cited 14 April 2014]. Available from [URL Link]
  2. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. About BMI for Adults. 2011. [accessed 14 April 2014]. Accessible from: [ URL Link]
  3. Keys A, Findanza F, KarvonenMJ, et al. Indices of relative weight and overweight. J Chron Dis. 1972; 25: 329-43. [Abstract]
  4. Goh LGH, Dhaliwal SS, Welborn TA, et al. Anthropometric measurements of general and central obesity , and the prediction of cardiovascular disease risk in women: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 2014: 4; e004138 doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-004138 [Full Text]
  5. Snijder MB, van Dam RM, Visser M, Seidell JC. What elements of body fat pose the greatest risk and how do we assess them? Int. J. Epidemiol. 2006;35(1):83-92. [Full Text]
  6. Gill T, Chittleborough C, Taylor A, Ruffin R, Wilson D. Body mass index the waist hip ratio and waist circumference Which determine the level of the obese. Int J Public Health. 2003;48(3):191-200. [Full Text]
  7. Pouliot M Despers J, Lemieux S, Moorjan S. Waist circumference and abdominal sagital diameter: the most basic anthropometric measures of abdominal visceral adipose tissue accumulation and cardiovascular risk both genders. Am J Cardiol. 1994; 73(7): 460-8. [Abstract]
  8. Schneider J, Glaesmer H, etal. The accuracy of anthropometric indicators of weight to predict cardiovascular risk. J Clin Endocrinol. 2007; 92(2): 589-594. 2005; 92(2): 589-594. Full text]
  9. Kunesova M, Hainer V, Hergetova H, Zak A. Simple anthropometric measures - relationship to body fat mass, visceral fat tissue and the risk factors for atherogenesis. SB Lek. 1995; 96(3): 257-67. [Abstract]
  10. Seidell JC, Perusse L, Despres J-P, Bouchard C. Waist and hip circumferences show independent and opposite effects on coronary risk factors for cardiovascular disease: the Quebec Family Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2001; 74(3): 315-321. [ Full Text]
  11. Mukuddem-Petersen J, Snijder MB, et al. Sagittal abdominal diameter: not an advantages over other anthropometric indicators as an indicator of the components of the metabolic syndrome among the elderly in the Hoorn Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006; 84(5): 995-1002. [Abstract]
  12. Lean M. Waist Circumference as an indicator for showing the need for weight management. BMJ 1995;311:158-161. [Full Text]
  13. Esmailzadeh A Mirmiran P, Azizi F. Waist-hip ratios are an ideal screening test for risk factors in the cardiovascular system than other anthropometric indicators in Tehranian adult men. Int J Obesity 2004; 28: 1325-1332. [Ab`stract]
  14. Australian Government Department of Health. About Overweight and Obesity. 2009. "[cited: 14 April 2014.] Accessible from:[ URL Link]
  15. NHS Choices. Underweight Adults. 2012. [cited 14 April 2014]. Available at:

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