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Body Mass Index
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to assess a person's body weight relative to
height. The formula is BMI = ( weight(lbs) * 707.07 ) / ( height(in) *
height(in) ). This measure correlates highly with body fat in most people, over
90% for middle-aged men and women. It is a useful guide to the range in which
one should weigh for a given height.
Using BMI to estimate your healthy weight range is not without its weaknesses.
It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build
because it does not take into account lean muscle mass. Additionally, it may
underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass.
Here are the indications:
|
Condition |
BMI Range
|
| Anorexia
|
Less than 17.5
|
| Underweight
|
17.5 - 20.6
|
| Ideal weight
|
20.7 - 26.3
|
| Marginally overweight
|
26.4 - 27.7
|
| Overweight
|
27.8 - 31.0
|
| Obese
|
31.1 - 34.9
|
| Severely obese
|
35.0 - 39.9
|
| Morbidly obese
|
40.0 - 49.9
|
| Super obese
|
50.0 or greater
|
Shari Lieberman Ph.D., CNS, FACN, author of
dare to LOSE says a simple waist measurement is a good
companion to the BMI. Measure your waist at its widest, usually the bellybutton
or just above it. For women with a BMI higher than 25 and a waist measurement
of 35 inches or more, you are a greater risk for obesity related health
problems. For men with a BMI greater than 25, and a waist measurement of 40
inches or more, you are at risk.
| This
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Simplebean Health Guide. To plan a healthy diet,
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More
about
Dare to Lose: Four Simple Steps to Achieve a Better Body by
Shari Lieberman
Lieberman explains the importance of metabolism in weight loss, pointing out
the factors that slow down metabolism-such as stress, yo-yo and crash dieting,
and sedentary lifestyles-and ways to counteract them. Her four-step program
includes eliminating stress and toxins from the body; following sound nutrition
guidelines; engaging in fat-burning, muscle-building exercise; and taking
nutritional supplements that help boost metabolism for quick yet lasting
results. |
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