Being healthy and fit is a primary concern among many women today. With the lifestyle that so many people lead, staying fit and at an ideal weight can be difficult. The ease of fast food and the limited time that people find to exercise, it is no wonder that so many people are beginning to pile on the weight. If you are a woman and you believe that you are overweight, calculating your BMI, or body mass index, is a simple and fast way to get the answer. The BMI is similar for men, women and teenagers, and while the process is fallible, it will give you a good idea if you are creeping into the overweight category or into the obese category.
What Does BMI Indicate for Women
You can determine your BMI with the help of an online calculator. These calculators factor in your weight and your height and divide them to determine where you fall within the scale. The BMI scale has a classification for those who are underweight (BMI of less than 18.5), normal (18.5 to 24.9), overweight (25 to 29.9) and obese (30 and higher).
Your body mass index is going to help you identify weight problems that you might have. It is a good starting point to determine if you are overweight, but it should only be the first step in determining your health. If you believe that you are in relatively good shape, but the BMI calculators show that you are overweight, you may want to consult a doctor.
Something that you need to consider is that men and women who have an identical BMI score do not necessarily have the same amount of fat. Women tend to have more fat than men do in general, and only a health professional will be able to make the diagnosis to determine if you are overweight. Of course, if you know you are overweight from overeating and lack of exercise, you probably do not need a doctor to tell you. In these cases, the BMI score that you receive will give you an indication of where you are on their chart.
Lowering Your BMI Score
It is possible to lower your BMI score through the tried and true methods of proper diet and exercise. When you change the way that you eat and you begin and exercise program, you will begin to lose weight. As you lose weight, your BMI will lower. Since you can't change how tall you are, diet and working out are the only methods for you!
The BMI is a Good Start
While knowing your BMI is a great way for a woman to take the first steps into getting healthier, you have to remember that it does have some faults. It does not take into account those individuals who have a higher bone density or who have packed on quite a bit of muscle. Older adults will have more fat than younger people do. It is important to consider all of these factors when you are looking at your BMI and you want to determine what you need to do to lose weight.
