PHYSICAL FITNESS
Understanding body mass index One gauge of healthy weight By Susan Masemer, MS
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any of us step on the scale or watch clothing sizes, but these may not provide the best gauge of our ideal size. In fact, there is no single “right” shape or size. We’re all unique, with different genetic potential and body composition that dictate our basic body type and build. Consider your personal goals as you work towards your own personal right size. Do you wish to enhance your stamina for daily
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tasks, or do you want to more fully enjoy recreational activities? Do you hope to excel in sports, or is it more important to achieve a toned body for aesthetic reasons? Whatever your personal goal, it should include attaining not just your best size, but also your best overall health. Body mass index (BMI) could be one part of your program plan. Assessing your right body size There are a number of measurements that can provide some insight into whether you are the right size. Calculating your BMI is easy and can give you a general sense of how healthy your weight is, especially if you are not physically active. You don’t need to visit your doctor to determine your BMI. To do it yourself: Read a chart. A simple web search will show several charts plotting weight and size, the key determinants in assessing BMI. The chart at http://bit.ly/1Tk1wbw, for example, shows that an individual who is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs between 154 and 164 pounds will have a BMI of 22. Calculate online. Along with basic charts, you’ll also find online calculators. Many of these calculate based just on height and weight. Others, such as AllinaHealth’s calculator at http://bit.ly/1TW7Dmj, also ask for the user’s gender and pregnancy status. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posts a special calculator for those ages 2 to 19 at http://1.usa.gov/1V6xuuh. Crunch your own numbers. Do the math yourself in three steps:
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• Multiply your weight by 703. • Divide by your height in inches. • Divide that answer again by your height in inches.
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What the numbers mean For most (but not all) individuals, the higher the BMI score, the higher the percentage of body fat to muscle. Your BMI provides an initial assessment of healthy weight and health risk factors. There are five categories of BMI scores:
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MINNESOTA HEALTH CARE NEWS JUNE 2016