BMI Information

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General BMI Information 

Body mass index (BMI) is a statistical measure of body fat based on height and weight.

The calculation is as follows:
BMI = kg/m 2

In order to calculate your BMI manually you need to:

• Work out your height in meters and multiply the figure by itself
• Measure your weight in kilograms
• Divide the weight by the height squared
• This figure will be your BMI

For adults BMI is interpreted using weight standard categories that are the same for both men and women. Sex and age are factors when interpreting BMI for children. The standard weight categories for adults are as follows:

BMI	Weight Status
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5 – 24.9	Normal
25.0 – 29.9	Overweight
30.0 +	Obese

 

BMI Meaning/Use

 

BMI can provide an indication of whether you are underweight, normal, overweight or obese. As such BMI is often used to identify possible weight problems in adults. BMI is not and should not be used as a diagnostic tool. A healthcare worker will need to perform further tests to determine if excess weight is a health risk.

The accuracy of BMI can be distorted by a number of factors. These can include:

• Gender
• Bone structure
• Ethnicity
• Muscle mass
• Fitness levels
• Age

BMI does not measure body fat directly but instead includes muscle and fat. This can distort the results. An athlete for example may have a high BMI due to large muscle mass as opposed to high body fatness.

When applying for international health insurance you are likely to be asked your height and weight. If your BMI is over 30 the insurance company may not accept you, can place a loading on the premium or exclude obesity and all related conditions from the policy. With rising obesity levels worldwide insurance companies have in recent times experienced increased levels of claims. A consequence can be that some insurance coverage limits access to treatment. It is imperative that you select a medical international medical insurance plan that provides sufficient coverage to give you peace of mind for the future. Our expert consultants can help you to do this.

If an individual is overweight this can lead onto many related conditions. These can include high blood pressure, heart disease, cholesterol and diabetes. The costs associated with continuing treatment for these conditions can be very high. The majority of medical international insurance plans provide cover for chronic conditions. The plans are generally guaranteed renewable, meaning that you can keep your policy for life. They may also include portability, allowing you to take your plan with you if you move countries. Feel free to contact our medical consultants to discuss your medical international insurance needs further.