The Montefiore Hospital: Calculating your Body Mass Index

Obesity is becoming increasingly common. A survey carried out in 2012 revealed that one quarter of adults in England are obese. And with obesity comes a multitude of health problems – according to the World Health Organisation, at least 2.8 million adults die each year of obesity related causes. Diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer are among the leading health risks. Carrying excess weight puts additional strain on the joints and ligaments, causing musculoskeletal problems. Existing conditions, such as asthma and high blood pressure, can also be exacerbated by obesity.

So when does a person go from being over-weight to being obese? Obesity is usually defined using the Body Mass Index (BMI). The calculation is made by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared – there are BMI calculators online that will do the maths for you. If your BMI is above 25, then you are considered overweight. If it exceeds 30 then you would be classed as obese.

It makes a difference where you carry your fat too. The more you carry around your middle, the more impact it has on your vital organs, so your waist measurement is important too. Medical professionals consider women with a waist measurement of 80cm and above and men with a measurement of 94cm and above to have an increased risk of obesity related problems.

If you are obese, losing weight is probably the most significant thing you can do to improve your health. There is no magic formula – it is a case of consuming less calories than you burn. In order to do this, you need to eat a healthy balanced diet and increase your activity. Sounds simple in theory but it can be very hard to maintain. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, you need to make changes to your lifestyle, which is not easy in our modern world of ready meals and sedentary jobs. However, there is plenty of support available for those who want to lose weight and even a modest reduction has health benefits.

If you are concerned about your weight we recommend that you talk to your GP who will explain about the benefits of reducing and will help you to find a strategy to lose weight. You may be referred to a dietician who will help you to change your eating behaviour long-term.

The Montefiore Hospital treats most medical conditions including diabetes and heart disease. It also offers solutions for obesity and weight management.

For further information contact The Montefiore Hospital on 01273 828120
or visit www.themontefiorehospital.co.uk