Is Body Mass Index An Important Predictor For Disease And Its Outcome

By Mrs. Shobanaraj M, Tutor- Dialysis Technology/Social Media Coordinator, Saveetha College of Allied Health Sciences, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences
Thandalam, Chennai, India.

Body Mass Index (BMI) measures body fat based on height and weight. It’s calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. It provides a general indication of whether a person has a healthy body weight about their height. Remember that BMI has limitations and may not account for factors like muscle mass or distribution of fat.

BMI indicates whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Research suggests that there is a correlation between BMI and the risk of certain health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Higher BMI values are often associated with increased risk. BMI can be a starting point for developing personalized weight management plans.

Governments and health organizations use BMI data to design and implement public health initiatives aimed at addressing rising trends in obesity and related health issues. This can include targeted education, awareness campaigns, and policy interventions. On 24/1/24, As a part of UBA and community outreach program, Saveetha College of Allied Health Sciences reached Kondancherry village which is Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu where the students and faculties conducted an awareness program by stating the Importance of BMI.

Promoting awareness of BMI involves educating individuals about how to calculate and interpret their BMI, understanding the limitations of the metric, and emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to health that includes factors beyond weight alone.