How to Calculate Your BMI in South Africa
Obesity affects 2 in 3 South African women. This indicates that 2 in 3 South African women, or 66% to 68% of them, are obese. Because it complicates so many medical diseases, including diabetes, obesity is a major issue. World Health Organization (WHO) citation: Obesity and being overweight increase the chance of developing a variety of chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disorders like heart disease and stroke, which are the leading killers worldwide. Diabetes and its accompanying complications, such as blindness, limb amputations, and the requirement for dialysis, can also be brought on by being overweight.
Defining BMI
Adult men and women can use the body mass index (BMI), a measurement of body fat based on height and weight.
BMI reports tells you whether your weight falls within the healthy range or whether you are underweight, overweight, or obese. Your weight and height are used in a straightforward computation that yields a result that falls between 18.5 and 40.0.
What formula is used to calculate BMI?
BMI is calculated using the metric system, which divides weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Since height is typically measured in centimeters, a different calculation formula can be used. It involves dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in centimeters, then multiplying the result by 10,000.
When utilizing a portable calculator:
Divide weight (kg) by height (cm) squared, multiply by 10,000, then round to the nearest tenth of a decimal place if your calculator includes a square function.
If the square function is not available on your calculator, multiply the result of the previous calculation formula by 10,000 and round to the nearest tenth of a decimal point.
BMI calculations can be made using a continuous equation. (Note that the latter calculation will be made in this module using the formula found on the CDC Clinical Growth Charts.)
How is knowing one’s BMI important?
A useful way to assess your risk of diseases linked to body fat is through your BMI. An higher risk of death and various diseases or ailments is linked to being overweight or obese. Generally speaking, the chance of contracting additional chronic obesity-related disorders, such as:
Diabetes Type II
A cardiovascular condition
Stroke
Elevated blood pressure
Infertility
Both anxiety and depression
Cardiovascular disease
Dyslipidemia
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
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What are the BMI’s limitations?
Although BMI is a straightforward and objective measurement, it can be misleading in particular situations and for certain populations. According to research, BMI is less reliable in predicting the risk of disease among older individuals, athletes, those with tall or short stature, and people with more muscular body types. For instance, professional athletes or bodybuilders tend to weigh more and have more muscle mass, which raises their BMI.
BMI also ignores the following factors:
Inherited risk factors for diseases linked to fat, such as metabolic syndrome
Other than fat, environmental and lifestyle variables can increase your chance of getting chronic diseases.
How each person’s body fat is spread
