What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It helps assess whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
BMI Formula
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height² (m²)
BMI Categories (WHO)
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 and above | Obese |
BMI and Pakistani Health Context
Studies show that South Asians, including Pakistanis, are at higher health risk at lower BMI values compared to Western populations. Some experts recommend a BMI cut-off of 23 for overweight and 27.5 for obesity in South Asians.
Limitations of BMI
BMI does not account for:
- Muscle mass vs. fat mass
- Fat distribution (abdominal vs. peripheral)
- Age and gender differences
- Bone density
Healthy Living Tips for Pakistanis
- Limit high-calorie foods like biryani, nihari, and fried snacks to special occasions
- Walk or exercise for at least 30 minutes daily
- Drink 8 glasses of water per day
- Eat more vegetables, lentils, and fruits
- Get regular health check-ups