Body Mass Index (BMI)

Knowing your BMI and your energy requirement

Most of us rely on weighing scale to tell us whether we have lost or gain weight. This is not the best way because it weighs everything including muscle, bones, fats and what we ate and drank that day. It doesn’t tell you how much fat you have. In fact you should measure your body composition - the ratio of lean body mass and fat mass. Too much fat can lead to many health problems.

 

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body weight is a major influence on health throughout life. Obese people are generally less healthy and are more prone to illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, gall bladder diseases and arthritis. Weigh yourself regularly and know your desirable body weight. Weigh yourself at least twice a month at the same time of the day wearing light clothing.

BMI is used to estimate your total amount of body fat. It is calculated by using the formula below:

BMI = Weight (kg) / [Height (m) x Height (m)]

  

 Using your BMI, you can determine whether you are overweight, underweight or of ideal weight.

* The BMI acts as a general guide but remember there may be reasons to modify the interpretation and you should discuss this with your doctor if you were concerned.