Is Body Mass Index still important?

Yes it is. Even though there are other tools for determining someone’s weight and potential health risks, the BMI calculation is still useful although as a rough guide only.

Your weight is important but it is the amount of fat stored around the abdomen which has greater importance.

However, other factors need to be taken into account which includes lack of exercise, a junk food diet, smoking, excess alcohol intake and stress.

These can all contribute to excess weight gain and need to be addressed. Your GP can be a good place to start as he/she will be sympathetic to any concerns you have and will not pass judgment upon you or your lifestyle.

What he or she will do is to suggest ways that you can change your lifestyle which are easy to do and will be beneficial to you in the long term. It is not easy to change long established habits but you will look and feel so much better.

Body Mass Index Guide Index:



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