We often hear about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, but why is that exactly? One way to measure our weight in relation to our height is by calculating our Body Mass Index (BMI).
What is Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person’s weight in pounds (or kilograms) divided by the square of height in feet (or meters). A high BMI can indicate high body fatness. BMI screens for weight categories that may lead to health problems, but it does not diagnose an individual’s actual body fatness or health. The CDC website offers a BMI calculator and additional resources on understanding and managing BMI.
A high BMI can put individuals at an increased risk for various health issues, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Maintaining a healthy BMI is crucial for our overall well-being. By understanding and monitoring our BMI, we can improve our health and reduce the risk of developing certain diseases.
SNiP’s Healthy Body Mass Index report helps you understand genetic vulnerabilities that may make maintaining a healthy weight difficult. In addition, the report makes specific, evidence-based lifestyle recommendations for you based on your genetic blueprint, making healthy weight management even more within reach.
Underweight, healthy weight and overweight
- BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight-
- BMI between 18.5-24.9 is considered a healthy weight-
- BMI between 25-29.9 is considered overweight-
- BMI of 30 or above is considered obese
BMI Calculators
- National Institute of Health: Body Mass Calculator for adults
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Body Mass Calculator for children ages 2-19
Summary
Obesity and being overweight can increase the risk for many health conditions, including unhealthy inflammatory response, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. So, it is essential to know your BMI and work towards maintaining a healthy weight for overall health and well-being.
Maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity and a balanced diet can lower these risks.
Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions about your BMI and the steps you can take to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Consider taking the SNiP DNA test to learn more about your genetic vulnerabilities pertaining to healthy BMI and what you can do to support your body’s optimal wellness.
