Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation that is based on your height and weight to
determine if you are underweight, an ideal weight, overweight, or obese. The test is an
indication of the total body fat that you are carrying around. The number ranges are
fairly accurate but there are some circumstances when the calculations may not be 100%
true. As these results are purely based on numbers, you should take the number you are
given and discuss other contributing factors with your doctor (such as muscle weight or
body type considerations).
A BMI of 30 or over is considered obese. The higher end of the scale for overweight
people (25 – 29.9) and people that fall into the obese category are at an increased risk for
developing type 2 diabetes. Other danger indicators are waist circumferences. If you are
a man and your waist measures 40 inches or more and if you are a woman and your waist
measures 35 inches or more, there is an increased abdominal fat risk factor for diabetes
and other diseases.
Maintaining a healthy BMI is all about being at a weight that is right for your height and
body type. Both of these goals will bring many more benefits than just better controlled
blood glucose levels. You will also have increased energy, can reduce the amount of
insulin you are on, and give yourself a longer life expectancy.
Reduce your total body fat to bring your BMI into a healthy range (18.5-24.9). Consult
your doctor and get advice on how to meet your goals. And if you are just starting an
exercise routine, get the okay from your doctor first. You do not want to overtax yourself
at the beginning and your doctor may have some restrictions for you to ensure you do not
suffer from injury or hypoglycemia.
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