Tag Archives: BMI

National Institutes of Health Calculate the Ideal BMI for Women

Healthy WomanA massive study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has calculated a new range of Body Mass Index (BMI) associated with the lowest risk of death from any cause in non-smoking adults. They determined that adults with a BMI between 20.0 and 24.9 are at the lowest risk of death. The study also gives a more precise estimate of the increased risk of death associated with being overweight and obese. The Centers for Disease Control currently define normal BMI as between 18.5 and 24.9.

“By combining data on nearly 1.5 million participants from 19 studies we were able to evaluate a wide range of BMI levels and other characteristics that may influence the relationship between excess weight and risk of death,” said Amy Berrington de Gonzalez, D.Phil., lead author of the study.

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Posted on December 16, 2023 by Health Buzz

Overweight Quickly Becoming the New Female Norm

We all know how startling the latest obesity trend numbers are. It’s estimated that 38 states in the United States have an obesity rate of 25 percent in its population. It turns out, this increase in obesity is having a negative impact on societal norms. In fact, being overweight may be the new norm for women!

According to new research from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston, more overweight women inaccurately perceive their body weight — but instead of these girls thinking of themselves as being heavier than they actually are (what you normally think of women doing), they are actually doing the opposite and categorizing themselves as at a “normal” or “healthy” weight, when in fact, they are not. The research will be published in the December issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and scientists say that this self-perception switch may make many women vulnerable to cardiovascular and other obesity-related diseases.

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Posted on December 8, 2023 by Jennipher

Male Obesity Causes Pregnancy Problems

Trying to conceive? New research shows that couples using reproductive technology may have more difficulty in achieving a pregnancy if the father is overweight.

After allowing for several factors, such as the mother’s body mass index, every 5-unit increase in the father’s BMI was associated with a 28 percent decrease in successful pregnancy. This information was released in a study done by Dr. Zaher Merhi of Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. The study saw no difference in either sperm concentration or quality, and 3 day embryo quality was identical. There are plans to investigate the quality of 5 day embryos with further research. (more…)

Posted on November 4, 2023 by Carmen

Use VO2 Max to Determine Your Fitness Level

VO2 max (V-volume per time, O2-oxygen, max-maximum) is typically defined as the maximum capacity of an individual’s body to process oxygen during exercise. This number is useful because it is the most reliable way to determine the fitness level of the individual. By knowing your VO2 max, you can not only compare your fitness level to “standards”, but you can also objectively assess your progress while improving your current overall level of endurance and fitness.

Knowing your VO2 max is also great for setting goals and motivation. Most recreational exercisers really don’t need to know their VO2 max; although I recommend knowing it along with your weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, body fat, and BMI (Body Mass Index). By knowing these numbers, you are able to self- diagnose your current overall state of health and well-being (extremely important if you are over the age of 45). The more oxygen your muscles use, the more efficiently your body works, allowing you to do more work, with less stress on your body. VO2 max is one of those rare health numbers you want to go up, not down. (more…)

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Matt

Fitness Application on Weather.com

Exercising outdoors is invigorating. It’s less expensive than a gym membership and the air is fresh, without a hint of sweaty men. However, it does come with some challenges. Sticking to a routine can be difficult when the weather is unpredictable. Depending on where you live, and what time of year it is, these are just some of the questions that you will need to answer before each workout:

  • What type of clothes should you wear?
  • What time does the sun rise?
  • What time does the sun set? Will you be home before dark?
  • What is the air quality today?
  • Will the conditions be more favorable at the park across town?

You can’t control the weather, but you can control how prepared you are for your daily work out. Take a trip to the Fitness Forecast App on Weather.com and experience the joy of continuing your outdoor exercise routine – even if it needs to be slightly modified. The Fitness Forecast offers detailed daily information about the weather in any given area. You can view your local weather forecast, complete with 15 minute increments for each 24 hour period. For your goal-mapping convenience, a monthly forecast is also estimated. Keep in mind, when using this particular feature, that the unexpected can always occur. (more…)

Posted on September 23, 2023 by Theresa

Your BMI May be Misleading

Pop quiz: What does an obese person look like?

BMI (body mass index) is a number health professionals use to classify people into categories based on their height and weight. It’s a simple equation that gives a single number, but not always an accurate one.

A person’s BMI is determined by dividing weight by the square of the person’s height. The number that comes out then corresponds with a health classification. A BMI of 25 or less classifies a person as being of a normal weight. If the number is 25-29, the person is overweight, and 30 and above is obese. The weight classification is what signals to doctors how at risk for health problems you are. It ‘s assumed that the closer you are to a normal weight, the healthier you are. (more…)

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Kelly

South Carolina to Cover 100 Employees’ Weight Loss Surgeries

Starting in January, 100 obese South Carolina government workers will have a chance to get their weight loss surgery completely paid for.

Yahoo News reports that under the pilot program, South Carolina’s state employee insurance plan will cover weight loss surgery for 100 workers on a first come, first serve basis.

The test program was put in the 2024-11 budget to address the state’s growing obesity problem. The obesity rate in South Carolina has doubled since 1990, with an alarming 30 percent of adults classified as obese. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly two out three adults in South Carolina are overweight or obese. (more…)

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Kelly

Belly Fat May Be Deadly

If a new study has any merit, you’re going to want to pay extra attention to your waistline.

The latest study on belly fat is considered to be one of the largest ever done. And what the researchers found was alarming: People with the biggest waistlines have twice the risk of dying over the next 10 years as compared to people with the smallest stomachs.

The most alarming part is that the concern has just as much to do with the location of the fat being in your belly as being overweight. That’s because a bigger waist carries a greater risk of death even if your weight is “normal” as dictated by the body mass index, or BMI, a standards of weight and height. (more…)

Posted on August 11, 2023 by Health Buzz

Control Your BMI and Control Your Health Care Costs

Guest blogger, Carol Dunlop is certified through FiTour as a Personal Trainer and through the American Red Cross as a CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor. She has competed and placed in several Fitness America and National Bodybuilding competitions. To receive your free E-course “How to Burn Calories While you Sleep,” visit her website: OptimumBodySculpting.com.

Starting in 2024, the federal government is requiring doctors to record your BMI (Body Mass Index), a measurement of your body fat and muscle mass based on your height and weight, in their electronic records. It doesn’t have to be a scary thing. If you start to address it right now, this extra piece of information can be used for your good health.

These three little letters have caused so much talk and controversy in recent days. Everyone is wondering how it will be used in the future against you, i.e., higher insurance rates, possible “obesity tax,” etc.

But, there’s no need to panic. You can take control of your situation by putting together a plan of action that includes sensible eating, regular exercise and lifestyle changes.

Check out these simple steps to put in place  now to avoid the “I’ve got to do something!” syndrome later.

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Posted on August 7, 2023 by GuestBlogger

Americans Lie About Their Weight

The first step to solving a problem is admitting that you have one. This may be happening for Americans and their perception of their own weight.

According to a new government survey released this week, after polling 400,000 people by phone, they found that 27 percent of Americans are obese. The problem is, a more accurate and scientific study on the number has it closer to 34 percent.

What this means is that not enough people are being honest about their weight. The good news is that the gap between fact and fiction is closing. (more…)

Posted on August 6, 2023 by Health Buzz

Early Obesity Leads to Premature Death

You never want to think that it’s too late to lose weight. But this news out of Stockholm, Sweden puts the urgency of childhood obesity into perspective…

According to a Danish study presented at the International Congress on Obesity in Stockholm, men who are obese by 20 years old will on average die eight years earlier than their healthier peers.

The study examined more than 5,000 military enlistees, starting at age 20 through 80 years old. Of those, about 2,000 were obese from the beginning.

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Posted on July 14, 2023 by Jason