The BMI scale, or Body Mass Index scale is used by many doctors as a means of determining whether or not you are the right healthy weight depending on your height.

For most people, the BMI score is accurate, but it is unfortunately not going to be accurate for absolutely everybody. It may overestimate your body fat if you are a muscular or an athletic person, reporting a higher BMI than what you should have. On the other end of the spectrum, if you have a low muscle mass then it may completely underestimate your body fat amount, reporting a BMI that is lower than it should be.

Determining your own BMI is a great way to give yourself an indicator of whether or not you are over weight, but it should absolutely never substitute for speaking with your physician, especially as it pertains to weight and health related concerns.

The Body Mass Index is based on a mathematical computation that compares your weight with your height. Doctors readily rely on the BMI in order to determine whether or not someone is currently underweight, sitting at a healthy weight or dealing with being overweight. Keep in mind the following facts when it comes to determining whether or not the BMI scale is going to be accurate for you:

• If you are muscular or an athlete, then there is a very real chance that your BMI will read higher than it is supposed to be. Your weight will be higher for your size because of your muscle mass.
• You could register with a completely normal BMI and still be unhealthy because of poor nutrition or poor muscle mass.
• It is vitally important for you to speak with your physician any time that you have health concerns relating to your weight.

When your body type does work with the BMI scale and you want to know whether or not you fall into the healthy range or an unhealthy range, the following numbers are pertinent. Keep in mind that the BMI scale does not work for everyone, and if you have any doubts you should absolutely speak to your physician so that they can use other means of determining whether or not you are overweight.

The BMI scale registers underweight as being a BMI that is lower than 18.5,

The BMI scale registers normal weight as being a BMI that is between 18.5 and 24.9,

The BMI scale registers being overweight as being a BMI that is between 25 and 29.9,

The BMI scale registers morbid obesity as being a BMI that is higher than 30.

Use this number as a baseline indicator and a foundation for your weight loss goal planning, but make sure that you work with a physician to insure that the number is correct for your unique body type.

Photo Credits: nutrition education

Originally posted 2009-09-18 03:39:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Weight Loss Journal, body mass index

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