Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator

A complete guide on BMI and its significance in insurance. Check how to calculate BMI.
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BMI Calculator
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3 mins
1-September-2023

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a measure of a person's body fat based on his/her height and weight. It is an important indicator of overall health and fitness. Knowing your BMI can help you understand if you are in a healthy weight range. Read the various aspects of BMI calculator, including BMI’s significance in insurance, how to calculate BMI, and ideal BMI for men and women.

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat determined based on a person's height and weight. You can calculate BMI by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared. The resulting value is then categorised into underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese according to established BMI classifications, utilising a BMI calculator.

Also Check: Health insurance premium calculator

What is the full form of BMI?

The full form of BMI is Body Mass Index. It is a measure of body fat based on a person’s height and weight. BMI is used to assess health risks associated with weight and body composition. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. BMI can be easily determined using a BMI calculator, which is available online or through a healthcare provider.

How to calculate BMI?

You can calculate the BMI by using the BMI calculator online. Most insurance companies provide a BMI calculator on their website or app to help you determine your BMI.

Here’s the formula for calculating BMI

BMI = weight (in kg) / square of height (in metres)
For example, if a person is 70 kg and 1.65 metres tall, the BMI using the below BMI formula:
BMI = 70/ (1.65 * 1.65) = 25.71

Ideal Body Mass Index (BMI) for adults

BMI values for adults are classified under the following categories:

BMI

Weight Category

Below 18.5

Underweight

18.5 – 24.9

Normal

25 – 29.9

Overweight

30 – 35

Obese

Over 35

Morbid obesity


BMI for kids

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a method used to assess the weight status of an individual, both in adults and children. The calculation of BMI is based on the child's age, height, and weight, which helps in determining whether a child is underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for children's overall health and wellbeing, as excess weight can increase the risk of developing health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Using a BMI calculator for accurate evaluation of children's health cab be extremely helpful.

To calculate BMI for kids, the formula used is BMI = weight (kg) / height (m2). Understanding and interpreting the BMI score can help parents and healthcare professionals determine if a child is at a healthy weight or if interventions are needed to help them achieve a healthier weight. Encouraging healthy eating habits and regular physical activity are essential in keeping children at a healthy weight and reducing the risk of health problems associated with excess weight.

Does BMI affect your health insurance premium?

BMI is an important factor in determining health risks and assessing insurance policies. Insurers consider a person's BMI to determine their risk factor. People with higher body mass index may be at a higher risk of certain health conditions, which may lead to higher insurance premiums. In some cases, insurer may deny offering health insurance coverage to people with a high BMI. A higher BMI is considered as high-risk, and hence, more prone to health issues and claims. Body mass index calculator is used for checking BMI.

Common weight-related health risks

Higher BMI is associated with various health issues such as:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Heart diseases
  • Stroke
  • Insulin resistance
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Breathing issues
  • Hernia

People with a higher BMI may also have difficulty with physical activities and may experience joint pain.

Also, check: Calorie calculator

What are the health risks related to being overweight?

Discussed below are the risks associated with being overweight:

  • Heart disease: Increased risk of heart attacks and coronary artery disease.
  • Type 2 diabetes: Higher likelihood of developing insulin resistance and diabetes.
  • High blood pressure: Overweight individuals often experience elevated blood pressure.
  • Joint problems: Excess weight strains joints, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis.
  • Sleep apnea: Obesity is a major risk factor for this sleep disorder.
  • Cancer: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of various cancers.
  • Fatty liver disease: Accumulation of fat in the liver can lead to liver damage.
  • Stroke: Higher chances of experiencing a stroke due to associated risk factors.
  • Mental health: Overweight individuals may face depression and low self-esteem.
  • Reduced life expectancy: Overall, obesity is associated with a shorter lifespan and decreased quality of life.

What are the risks of being underweight?

Not just overweight but being underweight can also significantly impact your health. Given below are the risks of being underweight:

  • Nutrient deficiency: Underweight individuals may lack essential vitamins and minerals, leading to health issues.
  • Weakened immune system: Insufficient nutrition compromises the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections.
  • Osteoporosis: Low body weight can contribute to bone density loss and increased risk of fractures.
  • Menstrual irregularities: Women may experience irregular or absent menstrual cycles due to inadequate body fat.
  • Fertility issues: Underweight individuals may face challenges with conception and a higher risk of complications during pregnancy.
  • Muscle wasting: Lack of proper nutrition can result in the breakdown of muscle tissue.
  • Impaired cognitive function: Inadequate nutrients can impact brain function and development.
  • Fatigue: Underweight individuals often experience low energy levels and fatigue.
  • Organ dysfunction: Insufficient body fat may affect the proper functioning of organs.
  • Increased mortality risk: Being underweight is associated with a higher risk of mortality and overall health decline.

What is the significance of BMI in health insurance?

BMI plays a crucial role in insurance as it helps insurers assess a person's health risks. People with a higher BMI are at a higher risk of developing health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. This increases the likelihood of filing an insurance claim, making them a higher risk for insurance providers, Check your health insurance policy online.

Is BMI interpreted the same way for children and teens as it is for adults?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is not interpreted the same way for children and teens as it is for adults. While the general concept remains the same, the interpretation varies due to age and growth factors. BMI for children and teens is calculated similarly, using height and weight, but it is compared to age and gender-specific percentiles.

The BMI calculator for youngsters considers growth patterns, ensuring a more accurate assessment of body composition. This approach acknowledges the dynamic changes during childhood and adolescence. Parents and healthcare providers must use specialised BMI charts for youth to gauge health and identify potential issues early on.

Some effective ways to improve health

Improving health involves a multifaceted approach, and one effective way is by utilising tools like a BMI calculator or body mass index calculator. These tools provide insights into your weight relative to your height, aiding in understanding your overall health status. By regularly monitoring your BMI, you can set realistic fitness goals, track progress, and make informed decisions about your diet and exercise regimen. Additionally, incorporating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, along with regular physical activity, contributes significantly to maintaining a healthy BMI and overall well-being.

Having ideal BMI range can result in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is therefore suggested to keep a track of your BMI using a BMI calculator. With increasing healthcare costs, health issues and their associated treatment costs can burn a hole in your pocket. A comprehensive health insurance policy can help you safeguard your savings in case of any such medical exigencies. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a healthy BMI range to reduce the risk of developing health issues. This will also help you save on health insurance premiums.

Read more: Check out the family health insurance plans

Frequently asked questions

How is BMI used?

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is used to assess body fat based on a person's height and weight. It can be used to determine whether an individual is underweight, normal in weight, overweight, or obese.

Why is BMI used to measure overweight and obesity?

BMI is commonly used to measure overweight and obesity because it is a simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive method of determining body fat percentage. It is a widely accepted screening tool for assessing overweight and obesity in adults.

How good is BMI as an indicator of body fat?

While BMI is a useful tool for determining body fat percentage, it is not a comprehensive indicator of overall health. For instance, BMI does not distinguish between fat and muscle mass. Therefore, athletes or muscular individuals may have a high BMI, but this does not necessarily mean they are overweight. Age, ethnicity, sex, and other factors can also affect BMI. So, while it is a helpful tool, it should not be the only factor used to assess overall health and weight status.

How do I calculate my BMI?

To calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index), divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. Alternatively, you can use online BMI calculators or formulas. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is generally considered healthy.

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