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Calculation of BMI is the same for everyone, but its interpretation is different for children and adults

Edited and resized image by Jennifer Burk is available on Unsplash

Body mass index (BMI) is an estimate of body fat based on height and weight. Although it does not measure body fat directly, the BMI equation makes an approximation, indicating whether the person has an unhealthy or healthy weight.

A high BMI can be a sign of excess body fat, while a low BMI can be a sign of low body fat. The higher a person's BMI, the greater the chances of developing certain serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. But a very low BMI can also cause health problems, including bone loss, decreased immune function and anemia.

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While BMI can be useful in screening children and adults for body weight problems, it has its limits. It can overestimate the amount of body fat in athletes and other people with very muscular bodies. It can also underestimate the amount of body fat in older adults and others who have lost muscle mass.

BMI calculation

BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in centimeters). Although it is calculated in the same way for people of all ages, the body mass index is interpreted differently for adults and children.

Adult BMI

Adult males and females aged 20 and over can interpret their BMI based on the following standard weight status categories:

BMI for people under 20 years old

BMI is interpreted differently for people under 20 years of age. Although the same formula is used to determine BMI across all age groups, the implications for children and adolescents can vary depending on age and sex. The amount of body fat changes with age. It's also different in young boys and girls. Girls generally acquire a greater amount of body fat and develop it earlier than boys.

For children and teenagers there is a percentile ranking. Each percentile expresses a child's BMI in relation to other children of the same age and gender. For example, a child would be considered obese if they had a BMI that reached or was above the 95th percentile. This means they have more body fat than 95% of children in the same age group and gender.

The following table shows the percentile range for each weight status:

See here a percentile chart

BMI and health

People gain weight as a result of an energy imbalance. The body needs a certain amount of energy from food to function. This energy is obtained in the form of calories. Your weight will generally stay the same when you consume the same number of calories your body uses or "burns" each day. If you take in more calories than you burn, you'll gain weight over time.

Energy imbalance is certainly one of the biggest contributors to weight gain. However, your ideal weight is primarily determined by genetics, as well as the types of foods you eat and how much you exercise. If you have a high BMI, it is important to lower it so that you have a healthy weight status. A high BMI is related to a higher risk of developing serious health conditions, such as:

• heart disease
• high pressure
• liver disease
• osteoarthritis
• diabetes
• Brain stroke
• gallstones
• certain types of cancer, including breast, colon and kidney cancer.

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One study, however, indicated that body fat, rather than BMI, is more associated with the above health risks. You can reduce body fat and achieve a healthy weight by not eating processed foods and exercising at least three times a week, for example. You should also follow certain eating habits, such as eating only when you're hungry, eating conscientiously, and choosing a diet high in whole foods, high in fiber, and not processed. You can also benefit from nutritional advice. A nutritionist can help you know what foods are best for you and protect you from unhealthy diets.

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Just as a high BMI can cause health problems, a low BMI can be problematic. Lack of enough body fat can lead to:

• bone loss
• decreased immune function
• heart problems
• iron deficiency anemia

If you have a low BMI, seek medical and nutritional help. If necessary, increase the amount of food you eat daily or reduce the amount of exercise you do. A nutritionist can help you learn to gain weight in a healthy way.