Close
Close

Buy a Life Insurance Plan in a few clicks

Now you can buy life insurance plan online.

Kotak Guaranteed Fortune Builder

A plan that offers guaranteed income for your future goals. Know more

Kotak e-Term

Protect your family's financial future. Know more

Kotak Assured Savings Plan

A plan that offer guaranteed returns and financial protection for your family. Know more

Kotak Guaranteed Savings Plan

A plan that offers long term savings and life cover. Know more

Kotak e-Invest

Insurance and Investment in one plan. Know more

Kotak Lifetime Income Plan

Retirement years are the golden years of life. Know more

Close

Get a Call

Enter your contact details below and we will get in touch with you at the earliest.

  • Select your Query

Thank you

Our representative will get in touch with you at the earliest.

What is BMI Calculator, And Why It is Important?

BMI is an important tool that is used to determine an individual's overall health and wellness. Read ahead to know all about it.

  • Jun 23, 2023
  • 2,012 Views

Updated on:23 June 2023

Health is the most important asset for any individual. Exercising, eating healthy food, and regular visits to the doctor are some of the essential steps people take to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Following your daily routine, eating habits, and weight measurement can be helpful in keeping a check on any health issues that could follow. Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of the methods that can assist you with maintaining a healthy lifestyle by providing the right information about your body.

    Key Takeaways

  • The Body Mass Index Calculator is a useful tool for healthcare professionals to assess their patient’s health status.
  • The formula for calculating BMI is the weight (kg) / [height (m)]2
  • Insurance companies use BMI as a key factor in determining an individual’s insurance premium.
  • One of the most effective ways to change your BMI is by adopting a balanced diet.
  • BMI is just one aspect of a person’s overall health and should be used in conjunction with other measurements and indicators.

Other than eating well and exercising, there are certain factors that contribute to your health status. For instance, an increase in weight might just not be an outcome of eating more but some hormonal change in the body. Just cutting on your crabs is not going to keep you healthy. Rather having a check on your weight by regularly monitoring it with respect to other body factors will be more beneficial. Body Mass Index is one indicator that can be used for evaluating your overall health.

This blog will throw some light on the topic of Body Mass Index (BMI), the importance of BMI, and how to calculate and alter it for a healthy body.

Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI) and BMI Calculator

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is an easy calculation that measures your weight in relation to your height. It is a useful tool for assessing your overall health because it can help you identify whether you are at a healthy weight or you are at risk for developing health problems due to excess weight or obesity.

For BMI measurement, divide your weight (measured in kilograms) by your height (measured in meters) squared. For example, if you weigh 70 kilograms and are 1.7 meters tall, your BMI would be 24.2.

The World Health Organization (WHO) uses the following BMI categories to define healthy weight, overweight, and obesity:

Underweight: BMI less than 18.5

Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9

Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9

Obesity: BMI 30 or greater

A high BMI can indicate a higher risk of developing health issues such as cardiac disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer. However, it is necessary to remember that BMI is just one measure of health. Other aspects, such as muscle mass and body fat distribution, can also play a role in your overall health.

The BMI calculator is a widely-used tool that measures body fat based on an individual’s weight and height. It’s an essential tool for people looking to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. It uses a simple mathematical formula to determine a person’s body fat percentage and categorizes them accordingly.

How is BMI calculated?

The body mass index is based on a person’s height and weight. The calculation procedure to determine your BMI or another person’s BMI is straightforward. You can measure your body mass index using a handheld calculator or online using websites or apps that have BMI calculators.

  • Divide your body weight (in kilograms or kg) by the square of your height (in meters) to get the answer. The formula for calculating BMI is as follows:

BMI = Weight (kg) / [height (m)]2

  • you can also use the BMI calculators available online; enter your height and weight into a website or app, and the BMI results will appear on your screen.
  • You should have yourself checked by a doctor at least once every six months or once a year if the numbers indicate that your BMI is above or below the normal range.

Importance of the BMI calculator

BMI calculator is a useful tool for healthcare professionals to assess their patient’s health status. During routine physical examinations, doctors often measure a patient’s weight and height to calculate their BMI. This information can help doctors determine if their patients are at a healthy weight and provide appropriate recommendations for maintaining or achieving a healthy weight. Let us explore other benefits of the BMI calculator:

Assessing Weight-Related Health Risks

BMI is an essential tool that can be used to assess weight-related health risks. It provides a quick snapshot of an individual’s overall body composition and serves as an initial screening measure for potential health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc. A high BMI can indicate excess body fat, which may increase the risk of these health conditions, prompting individuals to take appropriate preventive measures.

Monitoring Weight Management

This calculator is a valuable resource for monitoring weight management progress. Whether you are trying to lose, gain, or maintain weight, tracking changes in your BMI over time can help gauge the effectiveness of your efforts. By utilizing the BMI calculator regularly, individuals can make informed decisions regarding their diet, exercise routines, and overall lifestyle choices.

Public Health Tool

BMI calculations also play a crucial role in public health initiatives. Researchers and policymakers utilize aggregated BMI data to study population trends, evaluate the prevalence of obesity, and design targeted interventions. By analyzing BMI data on a larger scale, public health professionals can develop strategies to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce obesity rates, and improve the well-being of communities.

Did You Know?

BMI was not originally intended for individual diagnosis. It was developed by the Belgian statistician Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s as a way to measure the average body size of a population. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that BMI became a method for assessing individual health.

What is the Use of the Body Mass Index, and What Does it Signify?

The Body Mass Index calculator is used to identify those who are at risk for a number of health issues. Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke are some of these medical issues. According to research, those with a BMI of 25 or more are more likely than those with a lower BMI to experience these health issues.

Insurance companies use BMI as a key factor in determining an individual’s insurance premium. BMI is considered an important indicator of an individual’s overall health and is used to predict the risk of developing various health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

The use of BMI by insurance companies has been controversial. Some argue that BMI is not an accurate measure of an individual’s health as it does not differentiate between muscle mass and body fat. An individual with a high muscle mass may have a high BMI, but they may not be at an increased risk of developing health problems. On the other hand, an individual with a low BMI may have a high percentage of body fat and may be at an increased risk of developing health problems.

How Can You Achieve a Healthy BMI?

The body Mass Index calculator is an essential tool to determine if a person’s weight is appropriate for their height. Maintaining a healthy BMI is essential for overall well-being, as an unhealthy BMI can lead to a range of health issues. Here are three ways to transform your BMI.

Eat A Balanced Diet

One of the most effective ways to change your BMI is by adopting a balanced diet. A balanced diet is one that includes all the necessary nutrients that your body needs, such as protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Eating a balanced diet helps you maintain a healthy weight, as you are not over-consuming any particular nutrient or food group.

Regular Exercise

Another effective way to change your BMI is by engaging in regular exercise. Exercise not only burns calories but also helps to build lean muscle mass, which in turn, increases your metabolism. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn at rest, leading to a lower BMI.

Get Enough Sleep

Many people underestimate the importance of sleep when it comes to maintaining a healthy BMI. Lack of sleep can disrupt your hormones, leading to increased appetite, decreased metabolism, and weight gain.

Wrapping Up

The BMI calculator is an essential tool that provides valuable insight into an individual’s body weight and health status. It’s important to note that BMI is just one aspect of a person’s overall health and should be used in conjunction with other measurements and indicators. Maintaining healthy body weight is essential for optimal health, and the Body Mass Index calculator is an excellent way to start tracking and monitoring your weight.

Kotak e-Term

Download Brochure

Features

  • Life Cover till 85 years for Life & Life Secure Option
  • 3 Payout Options
  • Special Rates for Women
  • Option to exit the policy with premium refund at the age of 60*
  • Special Rates for Non-Tobacco Users
  • Free Medical Check Up every 5th year**

Ref. No. KLI/22-23/E-BB/2435

T&C

- A Consumer Education Initiative series by Kotak Life

Similar Articles

Buying Health Insurance with A Pre-Existing Illness? Things You Should Know

Here's How Stress Can Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease

What is Health Insurance? - Meaning and Types

Health Insurance Plans for a Pre Existing Condition

How is Health Insurance Cost Calculated?

Here's Common Myths about Health Insurance

What is Difference between Day Care Treatment and OPD Treatment?

5 Reasons to Own Both Health Insurance and Term Insurance

10 Ways to Get Your Kids Involved in Your Healthy Lifestyle

Does Cataract Surgery Come Under Health Insurance And The Cost Of Surgery In India?

Why You Must Review Your Health Insurance Policy/ Plan Every Year?

Factors to Consider While Choosing a Health Insurance Plan for Your Parents

What is the Right Age to Buy Health Insurance Policy?

What do Health Insurance Plans Cover?

Key Difference between Health Insurance and Mediclaim Policy

Accidental Death Benefit Rider In Term Life Insurance

The Importance of a Health Insurance Claim Ratio

Looking for Best Heart and Cancer Insurance Plans

कोविड -19 बूस्टर खुराक के दुष्प्रभाव

Side Effects of Covid-19 Booster Doses

Critical Illness Can Disrupt Family's Financial Goals and How Health Insurance Can be Useful

Tax Benefits of Health Insurance Plans

How to Transfer Your Health Insurance Cover Without Losing Benefits?

Health Insurance for Liver: What You Should Know About the Symptoms and Diagnosis of Liver Problems

Why Spending Time with Friends is Essential for Your Mental Health?

How to File Health Insurance Claims?

Basics of Health Insurance

Health Insurance for Personal Accidents

What are Health Insurance Premiums? How are they Calculated?

Why Should You Opt for Cancer Insurance?

How to Choose a Right Health Insurance Plan?

Insuring yourself against Ill Health with a Critical Illness Rider

What is the Difference Between a Mediclaim Policy, Health Insurance and Term Insurance?

Seven Preventive Measures for Heart Related Illness

All You Need To Know About No-Claim Bonus In Health Insurance

Health Insurance for Brain Tumour: What You Should Know on Symptoms & Diagnosis of Brain Tumour

Section 80D: Everything You Need to About Income Tax Deduction for Medical Expenditure

What is OPD Cover in Health Insurance?

What Should You Opt for? Short Term or long Term Health Insurance ?

Why You Must Disclose Your Pre-Existing Conditions When You Buy Health Insurance

What is Telemedicine? All You Need To Know

3 Reasons Why Your Health Insurance Cover Could be Insufficient

Everything You Need to Know About Health Insurance for Parents

HIV+ Patients: Are They Covered by Health Insurance?

What Does Health Insurance Not Cover?

List of Critical Illnesses Covered in Health and Life Insurance Plans

Is Health Insurance Non-taxable?

A Millennial's Guide to Health Insurance

Health Insurance vs Medical Insurance – How To Choose Between The Two

How Your Eating Habits Affect Your Health & How to Change Them

Tax Benefits on Health Insurance Plans

What are the Documents Required for Buying a Health Insurance Plan?

Health Insurance Plans for Family

Insuring Against Accidents with an Accidental Death Insurance Rider

Benefits of Health Insurance You May Not Know About

Things to keep in mind before buying a health insurance plan for diabetics

Everything You Need to Know About the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Scheme

Single Premium Term Insurance - Understand the Benefits

Different Ways to Mentally Refresh After a Stressful Day

What Is the Restoration Benefit in Health Insurance Plan?

Here's are Top Reasons to Buy Health Insurance Plan in Your 20s

How much Health Insurance do you Require?

6 Reasons why you need to get a health insurance

How Important Is Health Insurance for Your Family?

Open Heart Vs Bypass Surgery

Why do Patients with Hypertension Need Health Insurance?

10 Effects of Fast Food on Your Body

Health Insurance Plan for Heart – What you Should Know on Symptoms and Diagnosis of Heart-Related Disease?

What Is the Restoration Benefit in Health Insurance?

How Much Of Health Insurance Is Tax Deductible?

How To Choose A Good Health Insurance Plan?

How Is Your Health Insurance Premium Affected By Age?

Insuring Against Disability With Disability Insurance Rider

Investing In The Healthcare Sector

Important Things You Must Know About Accidental Insurance

10 Preventative Measures for Diabetes

What Medical Expenses Can You Claim in Health Insurance Plans?

Health Insurance Plan for Cancer: What You Should Know on Symptoms and Diagnosis of Cancer

Key Factors that Decide Your Eligibility for Buying Health Insurance Plans

Guide on Fraudulent Health Insurance Claims in India

Here's Why Cardiac Care Plan a Boon for Heart Patients

Which health insurance is good for family?

Why You Must Review Your Health Insurance Plan Every Year

How do I Choose a good Health Insurance Plan?

What to Expect from a Health Plan Audit

Here's how to transfer your health insurance online to different company

How Much Should I be Paying for Health Insurance?

How To Appeal A Health Insurance Claim Denial

Top Five Institutes for Free Cancer Treatments in India

Tips to Reduce Your Health Insurance Premium

What is International Health Insurance? Meaning, Importance and Benefits

Disability Insurance Policy & Coverage

Healthy Habits to Avoid Falling Sick During Monsoon

5 things to consider while renewing a health insurance policy

What is the Persistency Ratio and Why Does it Matter to the Health Insurance Sector?

Critical Illness Insurance: What Is It? Who Needs It?

Health Insurance for Students Who Study Abroad

Choosing Health Insurance for Senior Citizens

5 Reasons to Buy Health Insurance in 2021

Buying health insurance? Here's why it is important to disclose your pre-existing medical conditions

Are You Covered for the Home Treatment Cost Under Your Health Insurance Policy?

10 Effects of Fast Food on Your Body

Health Insurance Wellness Programs and Benefits

Health Insurance Add-Ons: Know all About Health Insurance Riders

Which One is Better: Mediclaim or Health Insurance?

How to Claim Tax Benefits on Medical Insurance Premium?

Why medical test is important while buying a health cover?