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This is a query that dieticians and fitness experts are often asked. Overweight refers to an excess of body weight, but not necessarily body fat. Generally, a measurement known as Body Mass Index or BMI is what health professionals use to determine if an individual is healthy, overweight or obese. According to this BMI calculator, Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. 'Overweight' is defined if you have a BMI of 25 " 29.9. For both men and women, a normal BMI is between 18.5 " 24.9. If your BMI is below 18.5, you are underweight. Obesity is generally diagnosed when your BMI is 30 and above. Exceptions to these guidelines will be determined by your health advisor who will take into account other factors like waist-to-hip ratio, bone structure, muscle mass, physical activity level, genetic factors, body shape, age and gender.
What is waist-to-hip ratio?
This is another measurement tool used to calculate the proportion of body fat stored on the waist compared to that stored on your hips and buttocks. To arrive at the answer, you have to divide the waist circumference by the hip circumference. Should you be heavier around the middle, you are said to have an 'apple' shaped body; should you be heavier around your hips, you have a pear shaped body. If you are apple shaped, you are at more risk for diseases like diabetes and heart related problems compared to those who are pear shaped. If you have abdominal fat that is totally out of proportion to your total body fat, you are a sitting duck for all sorts of health risks. For women, a waist circumference of over 30" and for men a waist circumference of 40" and above are considered to be indicators of increased risks for certain diseases. To measure your waist, hold the tape in the area just above your belly button which is the smallest area around your waist. For the hips, hold the tape around the widest part of your buttocks. On calculating the ratio, if the result is .90 (men) and .80 (women) you are within safe limits. If the ratio is 1.0 and above, you are at definite risk for heart problems as you are considered overweight.
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