Nutrition & Lifestyle

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a measurement that assesses your body weight relative to your height. The BMI measurement can be used for any age, from babies and children to teens and adults. Such a measurement, which classifies individuals as underweight, normal weight or overweight, can be used to determine if someone is an inappropriate or unhealthy weight for their current size. 

Generally, a calculated BMI from 23 to 24 indicates a tendency to be overweight. BMI becomes dangerous when it reaches 28 to 29. In this case, the individual falls into the category of Class 1 Obesity. A BMI from 39 to 40 indicates an obesity grade of Class 2. According to 2014 statistics from the World Health Organisation, more than 39% of adults had a BMI greater than 25 and were categorised as overweight. Obesity in kids is also a growing problem, with 42 million children under 5 years old being categorised as obese in 2013. By calculating BMI, parents can have a better understanding of their child's health and can better observe their child's weight development.

A BMI with a strong indication of being underweight can also be extremely dangerous. Here the biggest problem is generally a lack of essential nutrients and resulting deficiencies. Nutrient deficiency can contribute to the development of osteoporosis and can affect muscle function. Individuals who are underweight often have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases and making it more difficult for wounds to heal. (YAZIO)