BMI or Body Mass Index is a common method used for determining an individual’s weight status. It is calculated using the individual’s height and weight. Although BMI is not a direct indicator of body fat, it is a reliable way to know body fat composition. Many healthcare experts recommend people frequently check their BMI to keep track of their health status.
Calculating the BMI is easy. You can easily find a BMI calculator online. It is essentially a tool that allows you to know the BMI by entering the height and weight details in the relevant fields. Remember, a BMI calculator is not a diagnostic tool. Once you get your BMI score, you must consult your doctor to check if it is within the normal range, and based on the score, your doctor can help you understand if the weight status poses any risk to your health.
While using the BMI calculator India is great for common people, it may not give accurate BMI reading for people with limb loss or amputees. These calculators do not consider the estimated weight of the missing limb(s).
What is the standard formula for calculating BMI?
Typically, BMI is calculated using the following formula:
Weight (in kgs) / [height (in metre)]2, i.e., BMI = kg/m2
What is the ideal BMI?
The BMI value is calculated into four categories based on the value – underweight (less than 18.5), normal (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), obesity (30-39.9).
If the BMI is more than the normal range, then you may be at a higher risk of health problems like heart diseases. Hence, knowing the BMI is an important part of taking care of your health. However, if you have had a limb loss or amputation, then you must account for the weight of the missing body part to know the accurate BMI.
How to calculate BMI for amputees?
- Firstly, weigh yourself and note it down on a paper
- Next, calculate the percentage of the bodyweight of the missing part. For example, if you have one missing leg, then it would be about 16% of the total body weight.
- Move the decimal point two places to the left in the figure you arrive at from the above step.
- Subtract the figure from the actual body weight (step 1).
- Divide the current weight by the result you get from above. For example, if you weigh 72 kgs, divide it with 0.88, then the resulting figure will be the total body weight without amputation.
- Next, multiply the estimated total body weight by 703.
- Now, measure your height. Generally, for BMI calculation, the height is measured in inches.
- Find the square of your height in inches.
- Divide the result from step 6 by the result from step 8. The figure you get is the actual BMI of the amputee.
Final Word
Calculating the BMI helps you know about your exact health status and check if you are obese or not. If your BMI is higher or lower than the normal range, then you may be susceptible to various illnesses. Timely detection of any underlying condition can help you treat the issue without any hassles. Thus, make sure that you calculate your BMI now and ensure that you take care of your health.
