Hangers&Hangers

What is BMI?
A person’s BMI, or body mass index, is a statistical measurement which compares a person’s weight and height, and is used in determining a person’s ideal weight and fitness level.  But the science behind this measurement has many flaws.  Generally, people whose BMI is within 18.5 to 24.9 possess the ideal amount of body weight, associated with living longest, the lowest incidence of serious illness, as well as being perceived as more physically attractive. However, BMI does not measure the amount of body fat, so there are some discrepancies in what is perceived to be a healthy range.

BMI cannot determine between the overweight and the more muscular. According to the BMI test, when Arnold Schwarzenegger was Mr. Universe, he was morbidly obese, with a BMI of 33. The majority of professional athletes exceed the BMI “ideal” range of 25.  BMI can’t differentiate between body fat and muscle mass, so highly trained athletes can have a high BMI and not be overweight. And herein lies why the Body Mass Index is seriously flawed.

So why is BMI even used?

It’s a piece of a puzzle.  Statistically, pick the average American, and if the BMI is greater than 30, the chances are they are probably at least overweight if not obese.  Most Americans are overweight, and therefore have a higher BMI.

So why use BMI?  Without seeing you, just knowing your weight may not be meaningful enough to figure out if you are normal, overweight or obese.  Legislators in Florida have used BMI as one deciding factor as to whether a person can be legally prescribed weight loss supplements.  The good side of this is that people who want these medications to get the “high” of amphetamines cannot legally obtain them.  The down side is that a person doesn’t go from thin to obese without transitioning through becoming overweight - an area of BMI (25-29.9) where a patient may want to try a weight loss pill but may not legally be able to obtain one until they develop other illnesses associated with the progression to obesity.

At Med Spa Plus, we look at the whole person, evaluating your height, weight, waist circumference, eating habits, exercise routine, and cardiovascular performance.  A starting point would be to at least know your BMI, taking into account that it reflects the average person.  You can click online and figure out what your BMI is.   We don’t diagnose obesity online or over-the-phone.

Regardless of your BMI, carrying too much weight can be unhealthy and puts you at risk for heart disease and diabetes, among other serious conditions.

If you are overweight, there may be many factors that are contributing to your struggle to lose.
Ask yourself:
1. Do I eat when I’m getting hungry or famished?
2. Do I eat breakfast?
3. Do I eat just because it’s ‘lunchtime’ or dinnertime’ and my family/friends are eating?
4. Do I feel pressured (socially) into eating too much or the wrong thing when I’m not hungry?

Here are some suggestions that can help you curb the cravings and cut back on the calories:
1.  If you try to starve yourself for hours you will become famished and the chances of going through the drive-through and overeating are much greater.  Never let yourself get famished - carry healthy food in a cooler if you must.
2.  Most overweight people skip breakfast or eat a breakfast high in carbs (oat meal or granola).  This makes them hungry in 1-2 hours.
3.  You don’t have to eat what other people are eating.  Cut the portions in half and limit the beverage size.  The fast food industry knows it can make you buy and eat more food if you have a 32 oz. drink to wash it down with.

If you need some advice or medical assistance in your effort to live a healthier lifestyle, please give us a call and we would be happy to help you with a complimentary consultation.  We want to help you live longer, stay active, and of course, look younger!