How to calculate BMI and Waist-Hip Ratio

 

             BODY MASS INDEX

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is also known as quite Quetelet Index because an Adolphe Quetelet invented it. It is a statistical measurement which compares an individual's weight and height. Although it does not measure the percentage of body fat, yet it is a handy tool to estimate a healthy body weight based on how tall an individual is. Indeed, it is the most widely used tool to identify weight problems. BMI is straightforward to measure and evaluate. With the help of BMI, one can come to know whether one is of underweight, normal weight, overweight, or in the category of obesity. BMI can be defined as an individual's body weight divided by the square of his height. BMI can be determined by using a BMI chart. BMI helps to know whether he/she has a healthy weight or needs to lose his/her weight or needs to gain weight. Its value is measured in Kg/m2 

CALCULATION OF BMI:--

BMI of any individual can be calculated with the help of the following formula:--                

BMI = (Bodyweight)/(Height)2

Here, the weight of an individual is measured in kilograms, and the height of that individual is considered in meters.                                                  Now with the help of (WHO) World Health Organization) criteria for underweight and obesity, an individual may come to know whether he/she is in the category of underweight, normal weight, overweight, or that of obesity. Categories and BMI gave in the following table:-- Table for calculating BMI

Now, after having a glance at the above table, one can check his/her BMI and can categorize himself/herself.         The BMI can be simply calculated with the help of Body Mass Index chart which is as follows:--The BMI chart

            WAIST-HIP RATIO

Waist-Hip ratio is defined as the measurement of waist- circumference divided by hip-circumference. In the case of a male, if the waist-hip rate is more than 1.00, he is at the health risk. In the case of females, if the waist-hip ratio is more than 0.85, she is a health risk. If the waist-hip rates exceed these ratios, they will be at very high risk.

Waist-hip ratio is used as a risk factor assessment tool for heart diseases, hypertension, and type II diabetes. Excess body fat is considered a risk factor for degenerative diseases, particularly abdominal fat, and the waist-hip ratio is used to determine these risks.          Medical research has shown that people with central or visceral types of obesity are mainly and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, etc. The development of middle and visceral obesities believed to be caused by a change in the body's metabolism. Along with this, some endocrine abnormalities are also associated with the cause of increasing the disease risk.                    Research also shows that people with "Apple-shaped" bodies (with more weight around the waist) face more health risks than those with "Pear-shaped" bodies (with more weight around their hips).

CALCULATION OF WAIST-HIP RATIO:--

To determine if you have a healthy waist-hip ratio or not, use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your hips at the broadest part of your buttocks. After that, measure your waist, just above the belly button. For determining the waist-hip ratio, compute the measurements as given in the following equation:--

Waist-hip ratio = (Waist circumference)/(Hip circumference)

The measurements can be taken in inches of centimeters. The degree of health risk can be estimated in a better way by using BMI along with the waist-hip ratio. The following table may be helpful to know the degree of health risk.Waist-hip ratio with BMI

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