What is BMI?

Body mass index is an index that reflects the ratio of height to weight in an adult person. BMI is used to get an indication of whether there is overweight or underweight.

How do you calculate BMI?

BMI can be calculated with an online calculator, for example via het Voedingscentrum. Or you can calculate BMI for adults using the formula:

BMI = weight / (height in meters x height in meters)

BMI and waist circumference

In adults, BMI does not always correlate well with body fat percentage; it does not indicate anything about the distribution of body fat. In addition to BMI, waist circumference also says something about your health. Waist circumference is an additional measurement to assess health risk. Some people store fat mainly around the waist, and there is a high probability that fat is stored between the organs. This form of fat storage also increases the risk of health problems. The combination of BMI and waist circumference can indicate the level of disease risk.

Causes of overweight/obesity

The combination of excessive consumption, unhealthy eating and insufficient physical activity leads to overweight and obesity. There are some medical conditions where weight gain can occur. However, it is rarely the sole cause of obesity since weight gain due to an underlying condition is limited.

Consequences of obesity

Obesity carries an increased risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, chronic joint complaints and sleep apnea. Additionally, there is an increased risk of various forms of cancer and gallstones. It is estimated that life expectancy in adults with obesity is reduced by 6-7 years. There are indications that the quality of life is lower in people with obesity; they are more often occupationally disabled and have more frequent work absences.

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Sources

• NHG-standaard: Obesitas. Available through https://richtlijnen.nhg.org/standaarden/obesitas#volledige-tekst
• Voedingscentrum: BMI berekenen. Available through https://www.voedingscentrum.nl/nl/bmi-meter
• Voedingscentrum: Overgewicht. Available through https://www.voedingscentrum.nl/encyclopedie/overgewicht.aspx