Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is used to estimate a healthy body weight based on a person's height. BMI values are age-independent and the same for both sexes. However, BMI may not correspond to the same degree of fatness in different populations due, in part, to different body proportions. The health risks associated with increasing BMI are continuous and the interpretation of BMI grading in relation to risk may differ for different populations. Differences in body proportions and in the relationship between BMI and body fat content can affect the BMI range considered to be healthy. Adult BMI increases very slowly with age, so age-independent cut off points can be used to grade fatness or underweight. In children, However, BMI changes substantially with age, rising steeply in infancy, falling during the preschool years, and then rising again during adolescence and early childhood. For this reason, child BMI needs to be assessed using age-related reference curves. Enter Your Name: Enter Your Height: (In cms or feet)  cm  Feet        Inches Enter Your Weight: (In Kgs or pounds)  Kgs  Pounds Description Many underweight people are fit and healthy; they just have a slender constitution. However, for many people being underweight means their bones aren't as strong as they could be and they have fewer 'reserves' if they fall ill. It can also affect a woman's fertility. Rapid weight loss causes an increased risk of gallstones. If you consciously restrict how much you eat, and/or feel anxious about the thought of gaining weight, you may have an eating disorder. For further information please visit our doctors. Description Having a normal body weight reduces the likelihood of excess stress on joints, bones and muscles by not having to carry around excess weight. A healthy body weight places less strain on the heart and reduces the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and angina. It will also lower risks of developing Diabetes in the future. By maintaining a healthy body weight, Osteoarthritis can be easily prevented before it even starts. Along with a healthy diet and exercise, the joints of the body will carry less weight and suffer less damage over time. The physical ramifications of normal body weight are evident in having more energy, having a healthier heart, lowering the risk of Type II diabetes, and helping to avoid both osteoarthritis and many forms of cancer. Eating a healthy diet and performing light exercise, along with advice from your personal physician, is a great way to begin to see the benefits of maintaining a healthy body weight. Description Overweight leads to adverse metabolic effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin resistance. Chronic overweight contributes significantly to osteoarthritis, a major cause of disability in adults. Higher morbidity in association with overweight and obesity has been observed for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and respiratory problems and some types of cancer (endometrial, breast, prostate and colon). The nature of obesity -related health risks is similar in all populations, although the specific level of risk associated with a given level of overweight or obesity may vary with race/ethnicity, and also with age, gender, and societal conditions. For further information please visit our doctors. Description The health consequences of obesity are many and varied, ranging from an increased risk of premature death to several non fatal debilitating complaints that have an adverse affect on quality of life. obesity is also a risk factor for non communicable diseases such as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, hypertension, gall bladder disease, certain types of cancer, etc and in many industrialized countries is associated with various psychological problems. Abdominal obesity is of particular concern as it is associated with greater risks to health than is a more peripheral fat distribution. The longer the duration of obesity , the higher the risk. obesity is associated with the development of osteoarthritis and gout. obesity impairs respiratory function and structure leading to physiological and pathophysiological impairments. For further information please visit our doctors. Disclaimer All details provided here are for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Aster Hospital is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis or interpretations made by a user based on the above information. Always consult a doctor if you're in any way concerned about your health.