Body Mass Index (BMI)

As time has progressed, the study of health has evolved tremendously. One way it has evolved is through the introduction of new concepts that help determine the status of an individual’s health. Body mass index is one such tool.

Body mass index is unique because it takes into account both an individual’s weight and an individual’s height when determining whether or not an individual is overweight. BMI is a statistical measurement. It involves dividing an individual’s weight by the square of the individual’s height. For example, if a person’s individual’s weight is 70 kilograms and her height is 1.8 meters (kilograms and meters are used instead of pounds and inches, respectively, because the BMI system was created in Europe, where kilograms and meters are used), then her BMI is 21.6:

BMI = (70) / (1.8)2 = 21.6

There are four categories of BMI:

• If an individual’s BMI is below 18.5, then the individual is underweight.
• If an individual’s BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, inclusive, then the individual is normal.
• If an individual’s BMI is between 25.0 and 29.9, inclusive, then the individual is overweight.
• If an individual’s BMI 30.0 or above, then the individual is obese.

On the whole, BMI is a very good indicator of an individual’s health risk. It is, however, only one measure, and it too is subject to inconsistencies based on categories like sex.

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The purpose of the BMI system is to help people protect their health. An additional way to protect health is to obtain health insurance, for health insurance helps pay for medical costs. To find Texas health insurance policies and plans that are right for you, contact Option 1 Health Insurance today.