The Body Mass Index calculator is a tool used to measure value which is derived from the height and mass of an individual. BMI is arrived at by dividing the body mass by the square of the body height and is expressed in units of kg/m2. The BMI may also be determined by the use of a chart or table which displays it as a function of height and mass using colors and contour lines for different categories of BMI and may also use different units for measurements.
The Purpose of BMI Calculator
The BMI calculator is purposed to quantify the tissue mass including muscle and fat in an individual and from the figures achieved one can then be categorized as overweight, underweight, normal weight or even obese depending on the value. Even so, there has been an argument on whether or not the BMI scale used to divide lines into categories should be placed. The accepted ranges of BMI for underweight is any value under 18 kg/m2. In addition, overweight is any value between 25 kg/m2 to 30 kg/m2, normal weight is from 18.5 kg/m2 to 25 kg/m2 while obese is any value above 30 kg/m2 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011).
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Depending on the value achieved after measurements, one can then figure out how to go about feeding to achieve a healthy weight. The value obtained from BMI is used to determine whether an individual is of healthy weight, underweight, overweight or obese. Obesity increases the health risks of an individual, and thus BMI is an essential tool and a noninvasive measure which can help one to keep track of one's weight in relation to the height (Index, 2008). Even though BMI is the same for women and men, the equal Body Mass Index for two individuals may not mean that they have the same level of fatness because the body proportions of those two people may be different (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011).
Does it fulfill its purpose and the clients’ needs?
Since people use BMI with the aim of determining their weight in relation to their height and monitoring their fitness, I believe that the tool satisfies the needs of the clients and fulfills its purpose by giving them the value of their weight. From there one can start figuring out how to plan one's diet as well as physical activity and any other way of achieving healthy living. For example, one who uses this tool and determines that he or she is underweight may strategize on how to gain weight by including in the diet food types which are responsible for adding weight. With the BMI, one can be monitoring one's weight by frequently checking on whether or not there is an improvement from the last check (Index, 2008).
Does it provide any nutritional history?
The tool does not come with any nutritional history and only carries measurements with it. BMI alone does not indicate whether or not an individual is healthy. Since it is not a diagnostic tool, individuals who may be having concerns about their overweight or underweight can visit a medical professional for guidance. Whereas the BMI value gives an insight of the overall idea of one's health, it should be used with other medical tools to get a proper and comprehensive picture of one's fitness level and health.
Is it easy to use?
BMI is easy to use since it only needs one to understand the readings of weight and height as indicated on the tool.
Does the tool provide enough information to determine next steps or interventions? Explain
It is essential to understand that BMI is a measuring tool which is used to identify one's relative fitness and not a diagnostic tool. Thus, BMI does not come with any information on the steps one should take to acquire fitness or good health (Index, 2008). Even so, the values achieved from BMI gives an insight on how fit or unfit one is. With the values, one may now take a personal initiative or seek advice from a nutritional expert to give direction on how to plan one's diet (Index, 2008).
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Adult BMI calculator: English. Retrieved April , 14 , 2012.
Index, B. B. M. (2008). About BMI for adults. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
