It is a measure of body fat based on your
weight in relation to your height.
It is more of an indicator than a direct
measurement of a person’s total body fat.
As the BMI score increases, so does the
person’s total body fat increases.
Formula –
Eg- For an adult with height of 180 cm and
weight of 75 kg.
First step is to convert the height into meters.
As there are 100cm in a meter, we divide our
figure by 100. This gives us 1.8m.
BMI = 75 ÷ (1.8 x 1.8)
BMI = 75 ÷ 3.24
BMI = 23.15
Weight Status Body Mass Index kg/m2
Under weight <18.5
Normal range 18.5-24.9
Over weight 25.0-29.9
Obese ≥30
Obese class - 1 30.0-34.9
Obese class - 2 35.0-39.9
Obese class - 3 ≥40
BMI = 118 ÷ (1.98 x 1.98)
BMI = 118 ÷ 3.92
BMI = 30.10
24 Over weight
35 Under weight
17 Obese
28 Normal weight
Genetic
Factor
Psycho
Lifestyl
BM -
e I logical
Factor Factor
Economic
al Factor
Many studies have identified a specific defect in
genes that control body weight.
A defect in the gene that synthesizes leptin, which is a
crucial hormonal substance produced by fat and
released into the bloodstream that acts on
hypothalamus to regulate body weight.
Congenital absence of leptin produces continual
hunger and marked obesity in childrens.
The second genetic defect observed is the body’s
response to the signal leptin provided.
This signal largely determines how much one
eats, how much energy one expends and
ultimately one’s body weight.
Studies have shown that obese people are about 25
percent more likely to experience a mood disorder
like depression compared with those who are not
obese.
Many obese people eat in response to negative
emotions such as boredom, sadness or anger.
As eating soothe fears, sadness and worry for
some.
Level of physical activity- sedentary lifestyle can
lead to obesity and so active lifestyle can overcome
such problems.
Dietary habits- A large consumption of foods
high in sugar and fat increases the likelihood of
weight gain. Consequently, the total energy intake
rises, which causes problems of overweight and
vice versa.
Sleeping hours- Insomnia or lack of sleep can
cause hormonal imbalance that increase your
appetite or craving for foods high in calories and
carbohydrates.
Economic constraints contribute to unhealthy
food choices.
Among low socioeconomic groups they tend to
buy product which are cheaper to reduce their food
budgets while maintaining diets similar to the
average population diet.
And so the proportion of energy by meat, dairy
products, vegetables, and fruits decreases, but
the proportion by sweets, added fats, and
cereals increases which can lead to obesity.
