Decoding BMI: Understanding its Impact on Your Health and Fitness Goals

What does the Body Mass Index mean?

Now that you have calculated your BMI, you must understand what it means to you. The concept of the body mass index is a ratio that calculates your health by measuring your weight relative to height. Your BMI is an indicator of where you lie on the spectrum from underweight to obese. Those who fall outside the healthy range on the chart may face multiple health challenges now and chronic diseases in the future.

Body Mass Index Formula

Your body weight in pounds divided by your height in inches² x 703 = Body Mass Index

Weight (lbs) / height in inches² x 703 = BMI

Example:

169 lbs. / (70 in. x 70 in.) x 703 = BMI = 24.24

In this example, this person’s body mass index equals 24.24. Therefore, they would be considered within the normal to healthy weight category.

Limitations of the BMI

There are two limitations to using the body mass index:

1. This measurement doesn’t consider the endomorph body type, where the bone density is heavier and the body structure is broader. Therefore, the BMI calculation may place individuals with this body type in the obese range, even though they are fit.
2. This measurement doesn’t take into consideration muscle mass. Muscle weighs more. Therefore, the BMI of more muscular people like bodybuilders will place them in the overweight to obese range, even though they are fit.

Understanding Your BMI

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Screenshot of body mass index standards table [image]. Retrieved from  https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html#Used

The Health Challenges and Chronic Diseases of Being Overweight and Obese

Next, look at the health challenges and chronic diseases you risk if you stay at your current dangerous BMI. As you do your research, list the threats you are facing. My goal is to make you aware of what challenges and risks you are currently at and what could happen if you do something about it.

I hope to help you understand:

• That losing weight may not be an option
• What serious health risks are at each stage of being overweight to obese
• How important it is to be at a healthy weight and body fat percentage

Please click the links below to learn about the challenges and diseases associated with being overweight and obese, and the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and ideal body percentage.

• Health challenges for being overweight
• Chronic diseases around being overweight
• Health challenges around obesity
• Chronic diseases around obesity
• Importance of maintaining a healthy weight
• Benefits of being at an ideal body weight percentage 

Reflect and Record

I hope you learned much about the importance of a healthy weight and body fat percentage. I also hope you understand what current risks you are facing if you are not at a healthy weight. Please write down anything that surprises you and scares you. Reflect on why meeting your weight goals and staying healthy is crucial.

In the following few lessons, we will calculate your goal weight to reach (and stay at) a healthy body fat weight and percentage.

Side note: Please write down information in your notebook for easy reference. You will be asked to share your body mass index percentage in the Body Assessment.

Conclusion

Understanding your BMI is crucial in your fitness journey. Although it has limitations, it can still provide valuable information about your health and potential risks associated with your weight. By recognizing these risks and the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, you’ll be better equipped to set achievable goals and work towards a healthier lifestyle.