Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a measure of your body fat based on your height and weight. It’s an important factor to consider when it comes to understanding overall health. Too often, people focus on their weight alone without considering what kind of impact that extra mass can have on their bodies. Here’s why you should care about your BMI.
What Does Your BMI Mean?
BMI provides a range for the “normal” weight status of adults aged 20 and over. Generally speaking, if your BMI is between 18.5 – 24.9 you are considered to be in the normal range. Being underweight means having a BMI lower than 18.5; being overweight means having a BMI between 25-29.9; and having a BMI over 30 would classify you as obese. But just because these ranges exist doesn’t mean that every individual needs to fit within them—it’s still important to listen to your own body and talk with a doctor about what kind of healthy routine works best for YOU!
Why Should You Care About Your BMI?
The true purpose of measuring your BMI isn’t just so you can compare yourself against some arbitrary number—it’s so that you can take good care of yourself by eating well and getting enough exercise. That said, being “overweight” or “obese” does increase the risk for certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, and even some types of cancer. Understanding where your own personal health falls helps you make informed decisions about lifestyle changes that could help reduce these risks if needed (but always check with your doctor first!). Your body mass index (BMI) is an important tool in understanding how healthy your body is overall—even if it doesn’t take into account specifics like muscle mass or fitness level. Knowing where you stand in terms of this measurement enables you to make better decisions when it comes to diet and exercise habits that will keep you feeling strong and healthy throughout your life! So even though it might not seem important at first glance, understanding what YOUR specific body mass index means for YOUR personal health is essential for staying well now and in the future!
