Obesity represents a worldwide health problem that India faces along with other developed nations. Studies indicate India will maintain the position of having the world's second-largest population of overweight or obese individuals. A BMI test above normal standards demonstrates obesity and makes individuals vulnerable to serious health conditions, including hypertension and diseases from poor life choices.
Knowing how to measure your BMI becomes essential in such circumstances. Keep reading this blog to discover why calculating your BMI is the first step towards better health, how it impacts your well-being, and why maintaining a healthy BMI is essential for a secure future.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) test is a medical screening tool that helps you measure the relationship between your height and weight to estimate body fat levels. It provides an idea of your overall body size and, when combined with other factors like blood pressure and cholesterol levels, helps gauge the risk of conditions like heart attacks or strokes. You can use a BMI calculator to determine your BMI.
The BMI measurement provides a reasonable connection to body fat levels but sometimes produces incorrect results across different individuals. A higher BMI implies increased body fat, but it fails to specifically identify health problems. Healthcare practitioners combine BMI measurement with comprehensive testing and evaluations to determine a person's health condition along with their potential health risks.
BMI calculation is essential to understand your overall health and manage any potential risks. Here is why BMI calculation matters:
BMI acts as a useful screening tool for various health conditions. A low BMI signals potential risks like anaemia, malnutrition, infertility, weak immune system, osteoporosis, etc. People who carry excess weight due to high BMI measurements are more likely to develop:
BMI calculation helps you determine whether your weight is appropriate for your height. It guides you in setting achievable goals to maintain or reach a healthy weight. Tracking your BMI over time also makes it easier to monitor progress in weight loss or gain, helping you stay consistent with your fitness journey.
Your mental health, along with your confidence, will benefit from achieving an ideal BMI. Your control over your health improves by monitoring BMI because this approach enables you to maintain fitness goals which leads to a better quality of life.
Doctors often use BMI along with your medical history to develop a tailored health plan. Whether you need to lose or gain weight, a personalized plan might include dietary changes, exercise routines, and lifestyle adjustments to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
You can easily calculate your BMI by using the formula given below:
BMI formula = Weight (in kg) / (Height)² (in m²)
For instance, if your height is 1.65 meters and your weight is 68 kg, your BMI would be: 68 / (1.65)² = 68 / 2.7225 = 24.98
After calculating your BMI, refer to the chart below to determine whether your BMI is within a healthy range.
| BMI | Weight category |
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| From 18.5 to 24.9 | Healthy weight |
| From 25 to 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 and above | Obese |
The assessment of BMI by insurance companies leads to major implications for health insurance coverage. The reason is that such information helps determine patient health profiles and risk potential.
Thus, health insurance companies use body mass index measurements to evaluate health risks before setting premium costs and determining coverage policies and admissible individuals. A mediclaim policy can provide financial securities during health emergencies. BMI assessment influences health insurance across the following aspects:
BMI measurements serve as a major determinant for insurance companies who decide premium costs. People with higher BMIs face additional health risks that produce greater healthcare service claims. Insurance companies charge individuals a higher premium rate when their BMI measures higher than normal.
Health insurers generally set the coverage terms based on the applicant’s BMI measurements. Generally, they impose coverage restrictions on clients with higher BMI levels as they are more prone to health risks.
BMI measurement results determine the eligibility standards for insurance policy coverage. Insurers decline insurance coverage and provide restricted options to people with BMI levels that deviate from average as they are more susceptible to making health insurance claims.
The BMI level of policyholders can trigger specific coverage restrictions from their insurance company. This is especially the case when the policy covers weight-related conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Insured individuals with higher BMI levels usually face coverage restrictions when receiving treatment for obesity-linked health problems.
A risk pool entails a group of individuals who receive coverage under the same plan or insurance provider. The increased average BMI levels in a risk pool require higher premium costs to meet potential health risks affecting all members in that group.
Insurance companies provide rewards to their customers who can reduce their BMI readings. They generally include access to wellness resources, premium discounts and rewards programs.
Here are some practical tips for both reducing and increasing your BMI:
If your BMI is on the higher side, here are a few strategies to help you lower it:
On the other hand, if your BMI is low and you want to gain weight in a healthy way, try these tips:
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