Body Mass Index And Diabetes - An Overview

P. V. Ingle

The healthy weight range is based on a measurement known as the body mass index (BMI). This can be determined by using weight and height of a person However, it is the measurement of choice for many physicians and researchers studying obesity.

BMI uses a mathematical formula that takes into accounts both a person's height and weight; and equals a person's weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. (BMI=kg/m²)¹. It can be used to indicate if person are overweight, obese, underweight or normal. It will, however, overestimate fatness in people who are muscular or athletic².

Scientists and researchers have found the BMI to be a valuable tool in the study of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Early diagnosis of a poor BMI can potentially aid in the prevention of disease and provide advanced warning of any health problem³.

Body mass index is one of the most accurate ways to determine when extra pounds translate into health risks. BMI is a measure which takes into account a person’s weight and height to gauge total body fat in adults. Someone with a BMI of 26 to 27 is about 20 percent overweight, which is generally believed to carry moderate health risks. A BMI of 30 and higher is considered obese, higher the BMI; greater is the risk of developing additional health problems ⁴ .

Obesity And Diabetes

The association of obesity with type 2 diabetes is complex and is compounded by several heterogeneous factors. Asian Indians have a leaner BMI than many other races, but BMI is strongly associated with glucose intolerance as in other populations. This suggests that increase in body weight, although within the ideal levels of BMI, confers a high risk in this population. Similarly, studies also indicate that weight reduction even of small magnitude is beneficial in reducing the risk of hyperglycemia. Recent studies have shown that Asian Indians have a significantly greater proportion of body fat than is found in Western populations. It is also clear that the healthy levels of BMI and upper body adiposity are significantly lower for Asian Indians than for Westerners. Recently it has been calculated that the normal cut-off value for BMI in Asian Indian adults is < 23 kg/m². This has also been confirmed by recommendations from the World Health Organization⁵.

Heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure are all linked to being overweight. A BMI of 30 and over increases the risk of death from any cause, according to some estimates. According to health experts, people who are overweight but have no other health risk factors (such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure) should eat healthier and exercise to keep from gaining additional weight. For people who are overweight and also have health risks, they recommend trying to actively lose weight. Be sure to consult doctor or other health professional before beginning any exercise or weight-loss program⁶.

In 1995, the U.S. National Institutes of health and the American Health Foundation issued new guidelines that define healthy weight as a BMI below 25⁷.

In June 1998, the federal government announced guidelines, which create a new definition of a healthy weight - a BMI of 24 or less. So now a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. Individuals, who fall into the BMI range of 25 to 34.9, and have a waist size of over 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women, are considered to be at especially high risk for health problems⁴.

According to National Health and Nutritional Epidemiologic Survey⁸.

According to Health Canada . Canadian guidelines for body weight classification in adults ⁴ .

 References:

1. http://www.consumer.gov/weightloss/bmi.html

2. http://www.halls.md/body-massindex/av.html

3. http://www.insweb.com/health/tools/bmi.html # top

4. http://www.caloricontrol.org

5. Ramchandran A, Snehalatha C, Kapur A. et al. High prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in India : National urban Diabetes Survey. Diabetologia 2001;44:1094-101.

6. http://www.howstuffworks.com/bmi3.htm

7. http://www.healthdiscovery.net

8.National Health and Nutritional Epidemiologic Survey (NHAES), http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/adult_BMI/about_adult_BMI.htm

About Authors:

P. V. Ingle
R. C. Patel College of Pharmacy, (MS).Lecturer, Department of Clinical Pharmacy,
Shirpur -425405, Dist: Dhule (M.S.), India.
Email- prabhu4ever2000@rediffmail.com, Phone- +91 9421472242, Fax – 02563- 251808

V. G. Kuchake
R. C. Patel College of Pharmacy, Shirpur, Dist – Dhule, (MS).

S. J. Surana
R. C. Patel College of Pharmacy, Shirpur, Dist – Dhule, (MS).

G. S. Talele
Jalgaon Zillha Medicine Dealers Society’s College of Pharmacy, Mamurabad, (MS).