BMI Chart

BMI CHART

A BMI chart also known as a Body Mass Index chart is a body fat chart that measures a persons body fat based on height and weight. A BMI chart or Body mass Index chart will allow you to quickly assess what shape your body is in.

The BMI chart is used by fitness and health practitioners to quickly inform them if your body shape is lean, average, overweight or obese.

How to read a BMI Chart

To read the BMI chart below look for you weight (horizontally) and height (vertically) where the two measurements meet is your Body Mass Index Chart rating. Note that the BMI chart below displays in both lbs and kg for weight as well as inch and cm for height.

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BMI chart colors and numbers - what do they mean?

Once you have figured out your BMI chart score discover what the chart indicates your body shape to be.

• Underweight = 12 - 18

• Normal healthy weight = 18 -24

• Overweight = 25-29

• Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

BMI Chart Discrepancies

Many top health and fitness experts now view the BMI chart as being obsolete. These charts are meant to tell you how much you should weigh based on your height alone. However this can be very misleading, especially for athletes and body-builders who carry more muscle than fat. Pure muscle is heavy and dense therefore weighs more.

The shortfall of the BMI chart is that it cannot determine the difference between the overweight and the more muscular.

For example, 2 people can be exactly the same height (5’ 11’) and the same weight (200lbs) and share a BMI of 27.89 . However, one is overweight while the other is very muscular (raw muscle is dense and heavy therefore weighs more). Using the BMI Chart, both people even though completely different in body shape will be deemed as being overweight.

It is now more widely accepted to use body fat percentage calculation to measure your true body fat. Read here how to calculate Body Fat Percentage. It is much more accurate. Body Fat Percentage calculations use total body weight and not estimates of lean muscle mass and fat.

What does my BMI mean?

Knowing what your BMI or Body Mass Index is helps you to instantly gain an understanding of your body shape. Using this information you can now set about setting goals more targeted to your needs.

BMI is below 20:

This indicates a lean BMI or body shape, meaning your overall amount of body fat is low. This is the body shape of most athletes. If you're not an athlete, a lean body shape can indicate that your weight may be a little too low, lowering your immunity. You should consider gaining weight through good nutrition and exercise, increasing your muscle mass.

BMI is between 20 and 22:

Indicating of an ideal and healthy amount of body fat. A BMI chart score between 20 -22 is associated with long living, and the lowest incidence of serious illness. It is also generally perceived to be the most attractive.

BMI is between 22 and 25:

Considered still to be an acceptable range and in good health.

BMI is between 25 and 30:

You body fat is starting to show and your body shape is a little rounded. Find ways to lower your weight, through diet and exercise.

BMI is over 30:

Considered unhealthy and at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancers. You should reduce your body fat by changing your diet and exercising more.

For example is your BMI chart or Body Mass Index Chart is telling you that you are overweight your first goal should be read up in nutrition and work on changing your diet. Learn the common diet myths that maybe causing your body to store fat rather than burn fat. Simple knowledge can change your habits in turn changing your life. Very Powerful.

Health related risks assigned to the BMI Chart or Body Mass Index Chart

Premature death

Cardiovascular disease

High blood pressure

Osteoarthritis

Some cancers

Diabetes

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