The BMI calculator is a tool by which a person’s height and weight can be input to receive a numeric value that assesses the level of body fatness, which may be directly correlated to the risk for health-related diseases. Although the accuracy of body mass index (BMI) is questionable in some situations, it is used worldwide and recognized by the likes of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Classifications range from severely underweight to morbidly obese dependent on the numeric output.
An individual can use the BMI calculator to help them ascertain their health related to fitness and nutrition. The availability through the worldwide web and the ease with which it can be used, make it a good tool to help diagnose if there could be a potential problem. However, it should not replace an examination by a doctor.
A numeric representation of the weight consideration of a person is returned after height and weight are entered into the calculator, along with age and sex of the person. The numbers range from the low teens, where anything under 16 is recognized as emaciated, to over 40, which is considered morbidly obese and over 30 obese. The range for normal weight falls between 18.5 and 24.9.
The ranges of values do differ in some countries and even between some organizations, however for the most part they are the same globally. Once distinct problem with the tool though, is that if does not take into account muscularity or frame size and how they correlate to an individual’s weight.
There are other mechanisms that may be able to help ascertain whether an individual’s weight is cause for concern when a high numeric value is returned. Consulting a physician for a skin fold test is a good idea if the person is more athletic or larger-boned than the average person. Athletes tend to have high levels of muscle mass and large framed individuals tend to have high levels of bone mass. These may cause the BMI to be inaccurate.
The person being evaluated will also be asked to supply their age and sex, as these are two important factors that will cause the measurements to vary between different people. The elderly and women generally have a higher body fat percentage. Another key difference is applicable to whether the person is a child or an adult.
It is imperative that a person do not use the adult calculator to conduct a body fatness test on a child, as the results will greatly differ. Most sites that provide an option for the adult version, also supply a children’s version. The change in size, especially as it correlates to sex and age, must be taken into account.
A BMI calculator may be used to gain a picture of a person’s health as it correlates to the amount of body fat that they have. While there are several considerations, the measure does provide a means to see how their body weight is relative to that of the standards set by the WHO. Those in the overweight and obese categories are usually more prone to negative health consequences, however they are not alone. Underweight persons may be at risk as well and should be checked by a doctor.
Learn more about the BMI Calculator as a determinant of health now in our comprehensive overview of all you should know about how to calculate bmi .
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