The BMI is an internationally recognized measurement that relates body weight to height. But what does this value really mean, and how can it help you better understand your health? This article explains its significance.
The body mass index (=BMI) is a widely used tool for assessing body weight and general health. Developed in 1832 by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet, BMI helps categorize and classify a person's weight in relation to their height. This article explains what BMI is, how it is calculated, and the different BMI categories.
How is my BMI calculated?
Your BMI measures the ratio of body weight to height, providing an estimate of body composition. Medical teams use BMI to determine whether a person's weight falls within a healthy range for their height. Your BMI is calculated using the following formula:
Body mass index (BMI) = Weight (kg) / Height (m)²
For example, a person weighing 70 kg and measuring 1.75 m tall would have the following BMI calculation:
BMI = 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) = 22.9 kg/m²
The Mizu App allows you to calculate and track your BMI, automatically categorizing your results.
What are the different BMI categories?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), BMI is classified as follows:
Monitoring your BMI helps track long-term weight trends. You can easily calculate your BMI in the Mizu App by entering your weight.
Are there limitations to the BMI
Although BMI is a widely used metric for assessing body composition, it has several limitations:
- Does not account for muscle mass: Athletes with high muscle mass may be inaccurately classified as overweight.
- Potential inaccuracy: Like other simple measurements, BMI can be imprecise. Additional metrics like waist circumference can provide a more comprehensive assessment.
- Age and gender considerations: BMI defined by the WHO primarily applies to adults. For children and adolescents, BMI is interpreted differently based on age- and gender-specific percentiles.
Using BMI in children & adolescents
For children and adolescents, BMI is not classified into fixed categories. Instead, percentiles are used to assess weight relative to peers of the same age and gender. If a child's BMI falls in the 60th percentile, it means 60% of children in that age group have a lower BMI, while 40% have a higher BMI. Generally, a BMI above the 95th percentile is considered an indicator of overweight.
How BMI affects overall health
A BMI of 25 kg/m² or higher may indicate overweight. Severe overweight (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), which is also referred to as obesity, is linked to increased risks of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
Conversely, underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) can lead to weakened immune function, fatigue, and reduced bone density (=osteoporosis). Keeping an eye on BMI can be beneficial for overall health, regardless of kidney health status.
What does this mean for you?
BMI is a useful tool for gaining an initial understanding of body weight and composition. However, it should always be considered alongside other factors, such as muscle mass and overall health. The Mizu App helps you calculate, track, and interpret your BMI over time.
