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Being overweight can often lead to several health complications, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and more. That’s why most Sydney city women’s health clinics emphasise achieving a healthy weight.Â
A common metric for judging if someone is at their optimum weight is through Body Mass Index (BMI). It serves as a calculator to measure a person’s body fat levels based on their height. However, it is also important to note that the BMI is not always an accurate indicator of whether a person is fit or overweight.Â
Keep reading this blog to learn more about how BMI is calculated, its implications on women’s health, and the healthy BMI range in Australia.Â
WHAT IS BMI? HOW IS IT CALCULATED?
BMI, or Body Mass Index, calculates a person’s body fat using their weight and height. The formula is kilograms divided by metres squared, where kilograms represent weight and metres squared refers to height.Â
A numerical value is derived using this BMI formula. This number categorises individuals into various weight categories, helping to assess whether they have a healthy body weight relative to their height.
The weight categories as per BMI are:Â
- Underweight:Â BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI 18.5 – 24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25 – 29.9
- Obese:Â BMI 30 and above
Note: These categories offer a framework for establishing a healthy weight range. They are not absolute. Accurate fitness levels can vary for each individual.Â
THE IMPORTANCE OF BMI IN ASSESSING WOMEN’S HEALTH
Using the BMI indicator to gauge healthy weight in women can help identify and prevent potential health problems, such as cardiovascular disease. Most women’s health Sydney clinics use BMI as a screening tool to assess weight-related health risks.
The BMI puts you in a weight category, which acts as a guide to start your journey towards healthy weight management. Doctors can refer to the BMI number and check your family history to ascertain whether you’re at risk for any weight-related health issues. If so, they can take measures to prevent it.Â
WHY MEASURE WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE?
While BMI is a helpful indicator, measuring waist circumference provides more insight. Fat distribution in the body, particularly abdominal fat, is a significant predictor of health risks such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.Â
Waist circumference measurement helps identify individuals with excess abdominal fat, even if their BMI is normal. Australian health guidelines suggest that a waist measurement above 80 cm for women is associated with increased health risks.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY
As per BMI weight categories, overweight individuals have a BMI range between 25 and 29.9, while those who are obese have a BMI of 30 or above.Â
Being overweight means they have a higher body fat than the recommended range. Obesity is a more severe condition where the health risks are much higher, and significant lifestyle changes are advised to reduce the risk of further complications.Â
WHAT IS A HEALTHY BMI RANGE IN AUSTRALIA?
According to the health guidelines, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy in Australia. This range is associated with the lowest risk of weight-related health issues.Â
HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY
Being overweight, especially for women, could lead to certain health risks. Carrying excess body fat could lead to serious health issues:Â
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE:
Excess weight increases strain on the heart, leading to elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.
TYPE 2 DIABETES:
Higher body fat levels can cause insulin resistance, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
CORONARY DISEASE:
INCREASED RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND STROKE:
INFERTILITY AND PREGNANCY-RELATED PROBLEMS:
GALLBLADDER DISEASE:
OSTEOARTHRITIS:
SLEEP APNEA:
CERTAIN TYPES OF CANCERS:
UNDERSTANDING THE LIMITATIONS OF THE BMI SYSTEM
Despite its widespread use, the BMI system has several limitations:
1.DOES NOT DISTINGUISH BETWEEN MUSCLE AND FAT:
2.DOES NOT ACCOUNT FOR FAT DISTRIBUTION:
3.VARIES BY AGE, SEX, AND ETHNICITY:
BOTTOM LINE
BMI is a useful tool for identifying potential weight-related health risks in an individual. Medical professionals rely on it to assess a person’s weight status and advise them on making healthy lifestyle changes to prevent further complications.Â
If you have been looking for a reliable women’s health clinic in Sydney for healthy weight management techniques, then contact our Redfern medical clinic today. Poet’s Corner Medical Centre provides a comprehensive range of health services all under one roof in Sydney.Â
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