Courtesy:pexels

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used metric in the medical field to assess an individual's weight in relation to their height.

This measurement is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. The resulting number is then classified into different categories such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese.

The Indexes

1. Severe thinness: A BMI below 16 indicates severe thinness, which can be a sign of malnutrition or other health issues.
2. Moderate thinness: A BMI between 16 and 17 indicates moderate thinness.
3. Mild thinness: A BMI between 17 and 18.5 indicates mild thinness. It is important to address thinness as it can lead to health problems.
4. Normal: A BMI between 18.5 and 25 is considered normal and indicates a healthy weight range.
5. Overweight: A BMI between 25 and 30 indicates that a person is overweight, which can increase the risk of various health conditions.
6. Obese Class I: A BMI between 30 and 35 indicates obesity Class I, which poses significant health risks.
7. Obese Class II: A BMI between 35 and 40 indicates obesity Class II, which is associated with severe health risks.
8. Obese Class III: A BMI above 40 indicates obesity Class III, which is considered morbidly obese and carries the highest risk of health problems.

The Studies

Several studies have linked BMI to various health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and overall mortality. Research has shown that individuals with a higher BMI are at an increased risk of developing these conditions compared to those with a lower BMI. One study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that obesity, as indicated by a high BMI, was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.