subject: Explanation of the Body Mass Index or BMI for Short [print this page] Explanation of the Body Mass Index or BMI for Short
Our BMI or Body Mass Index can indicate whether our body weight is in proportion to our height. By doing a bmi test, we can determine whether we are overweight, underweight or just the right weight for our body type.
If we want to do the test ourselves, there are websites that provide an online calculator for computing our BMI. These are free and will only take less than a minute to conduct.
We can view the results immediately and see if we need to work on our BMI to get the appropriate weight based on our height.
BMI TESTING
Typically, there are two ways for us to measure our BMI: through Standard units or Metric units. The specific websites indicate which unit they are using to test the BMI and in a couple of sites, there are also guides on how to convert the units so we can input the appropriate measurements prior to calculating the Body Mass Index.
We can use feet and inches for our height against our weight measured in pounds; or we can also use millimeters or centimeters and kilograms to check our BMI; depending on the online calculator of our choice.
By determining whether we are overweight, underweight, bordering obesity or are already obese; we can work on our weight problem for a healthier and fitter lifestyle.
CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE
One of the most important things for us to consider, once we've done the bmi test, is to figure out a way to reduce or increase our weight based on a sound and healthy diet plan.
A change in our eating habits is almost always part of the plan to improve on our weight to become healthier and improve our quality of life. Usually, websites that provide a free bmi test also have suggestions on how to reduce or increase weight the proper and healthy way. Healthier food substitutes can be found here or other online sites; and a diet plus exercise plan that have been successfully used by others can also be found online.
These will help us jumpstart our healthy regimen and be on our way to a healthier body.
However, going at it alone may not be easy hence; we should ask the support of our family and friends to help us through the difficult stages of our diet plan, especially in the beginning.
Moreover, we should always seek the advice of our family doctor or trusted physician prior to changing our eating habits or going on a rigid exercise routine, especially if we have medical conditions that require regular check-ups or taking maintenance medications.
