A healthy lifestyle includes eating right, getting enough exercise and watching your weight, but there is one more test doctors use to monitor your body’s health. By combining your height with your weight, they can monitor the amount of body fat you have by using a BMI chart. This chart shows if the amount of fat in your body is within a healthy range of if there is room for improvement.
Since the mid 1800s there has been an interest in how people measure up in reference to their height and weight, it has only been recently that health care workers and individuals have become more aware of what these numbers mean. Body fat itself is not known through the chart, but it gives an idea of where you stand and if current health issues may be a result of your body weight.
The most talked about information when it comes to children is how tall they are and what they weigh, when compared to others their age. In addition to these measurements, children and teens now have their BMI number checked to see where they fall in that category as well. It is important to understand, however, that when figuring this information for children, age and sex are taken into account since they grow and mature at different rates.
When compared to the analysis for children, figuring the body mass index among adults is straight forward. There is one chart used for both sexes and encompasses a broader range of heights and weights so most combinations are accounted for in one place. Once your number is found, further decisions can then be made on whether you need further medical advice or intervention.
There are exceptions when it comes to understanding BMI results, as there are with most tests. For many athletes false obesity readings can be given because of their physicality and amount of muscle in their bodies. Because of this, health professionals have developed additional tests to more closely determine the amount of actual body fat and how it affects a person. Understanding your life style is also guide in understanding what risks there may be, if a false reading is given.
While it is good to monitor your health on your own, information such as BMI is not a diagnosis of any illness or a reason to begin a strict diet or exercise plan before checking with a doctor. It is important to understand that a BMI chart is a guideline and is used to gather the average weight and height of the general public, and what is reasonable for a healthy life.
Most important when using a BMI chart is to understand its use and what it stands for. It was created as a starting point to monitor health and wellness, and should be used with your doctor or health practitioner to as an evaluation starting point to achieve an accurate reading of your weight and health.
A new diet or exercise plan should be started only after knowing exactly what is safe for you and your body. Making sense of your body mass index on your own may lead to changes that you do not need or can be harmful if there is a medical reason for weight gain, or loss. A doctor is the best choice when there are questions or you want to begin a new healthcare plan.
Use a BMI Chart to quickly and easily determine your Body Mass Index.