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Published on: Nov 27, 2021
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Understanding Body Mass Index Chart?

Understanding body mass index chart?

The body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body weight in relation to height, and it's calculated by dividing the person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. A high BMI indicates that you're at risk for various health problems like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, gallstones, and more.

On the other hand. people with lower BMI are at increased risk for osteoporosis. So keep your diet under control! Remember this too- women have smaller bones than men because they have different levels of estrogen so while adults should not let their BMI get below 18 or above 24 there are certain teens who need to stay at 18 or below to avoid becoming obese).

A body mass index chart is a graphical comparison of an individual’s height and weight. It also takes into account the sex of the person to generate a number that helps approximate their body fat percentage. BMI is the ratio of height to weight (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). A person's BMI is considered "overweight" when the number falls between 25 and 29; "obese" when it exceeds 30.

Maintaining a healthy body weight is associated with length of life and the prevention of chronic illness. Excessive weight is associated with increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, and certain cancers. A general rule of thumb is that if you have been maintaining your current body weight or losing more than two pounds per week on most diets for two months without any signs that your weight is stable at a lower level then it is time to go on a different diet program to avoid excessive loss rates.

Body Mass Index or BMI is the weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters. Using this chart, you can determine how close your BMI is to being overweight. If your body mass index is 25-29.9, you are overweight. If it falls between 30-39.9, you are obese and if it falls at 40 or over, then you have morbid obesity, which is an extreme increase in body fat with the potential of leading to health complications down the line due to excess carrying of food weight on your frame."

The body mass index chart ranges from underweight to morbidly obese. It is based on the same number line as height, so you can see how weight increases at different heights. Although it is not an accurate measure of fatness due to body composition discrepancies, if your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 then you are a generally healthy weight for that height classification.

BMI Chart, which is also called the Quetelet Body Mass Index chart, was created by the Belgian scientist Adolphe Quetelet in 1832. It can be used to measure relative weight under idealized conditions for height for various populations. But it has been criticized as an appropriate measure of obesity because it does not take into account variations in body fat distributions (android versus gynoid). The BMI is defined as one's weight divided by their height squared, or generally written as kg/m2.

This chart is very accurate, but it’s difficult to find a BMI that fits your situation. Most people fall between 23-27.5 for Women and 27-30 for Men. But if you are research shows you are an athlete with low body fat, or someone who has gained weight due to metabolic syndrome, chronic conditions or pregnancy - the BMI will not be accurate enough.

It's important to know what's happening with your weight so you can have a better understanding of how much excess fat blood sugar levels have on how you feel every day just by looking at the mirror. The BMI chart below can be used to find a healthy body weight. If your height and weight don't match the closest standard height and weight, adjust the height and weight until they align with one of the symbols. Height should be measured in feet and inches (preferred) or simply in centimeters (feet?3; x 0.0254 = meters; pounds/inches?2; x 0.0254= kilograms).

A lot of people who don't have good diets tend to be heavier. When you're heavy, your hormone levels are often imbalanced, which can cause you to stop producing enough insulin or produce too much for the body's needs. That can lead to type 2 diabetes if left untreated and is one reason why it might seem like people who eat junk food age faster than those with healthy appetites." What is BMI? BMI stands for Body Mass Index; it's used as an indication of total body fatness for most men and women above 20 years old (this varies).

The BMI chart was originally created to classify people in various ranges of weight. There are many different variations of the classification chart. They were not specifically designed for athletes, although an athlete weighing 200 lbs would be considered overweight by some calculations, while others would consider them healthy.

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Health Risks of Low Water Intake: How Dehydration Slowly Damages the Body

Water is fundamental to human survival, yet low water intake is one of the most common and overlooked health issues. Many people go through the day drinking far less water than their body requires, especially in hot climates like India. Understanding the health risks of low water intake is essential because dehydration affects nearly every system in the body, often without obvious early symptoms.

Why Water Is Essential for the Body

Water makes up nearly 60 percent of the human body.

It is required for:

maintaining blood volume
regulating body temperature
transporting nutrients
removing waste products
lubricating joints and tissues

Even mild dehydration disrupts these processes.

What Happens When Water Intake Is Low

Low water intake leads to dehydration, a state where fluid loss exceeds intake.

This causes:

reduced blood circulation
thicker blood consistency
impaired cellular function

WHO classifies dehydration as a major but preventable health risk.

Dehydration and Kidney Health

The kidneys rely on adequate water to filter waste.

Low water intake can lead to:

concentrated urine
kidney stone formation
urinary tract infections
long-term kidney damage

ICMR studies link chronic dehydration with rising kidney disease cases in India.

Impact on Digestive Health

Water is essential for digestion.

Low intake causes:

constipation
bloating
acidity
poor nutrient absorption

Digestive enzymes and gut movement depend on proper hydration.

Effect on Brain Function and Mental Performance

The brain is highly sensitive to hydration levels.

Even mild dehydration can cause:

headaches
dizziness
poor concentration
irritability

Studies show cognitive performance drops when fluid intake is inadequate.

Fatigue and Low Energy Levels

Low water intake reduces oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells.

This leads to:

constant tiredness
reduced stamina
poor physical performance

Many people mistake dehydration-related fatigue for stress or lack of sleep.

Cardiovascular Effects of Dehydration

Dehydration reduces blood volume.

This can result in:

low blood pressure
dizziness on standing
increased heart rate

Severe dehydration strains the heart and circulation.

Muscle and Joint Problems

Water helps lubricate joints and muscles.

Low intake can cause:

muscle cramps
joint stiffness
increased injury risk

Hydration is essential for physical recovery and mobility.

Dehydration and Skin Health

Skin reflects hydration status.

Low water intake contributes to:

dryness
reduced elasticity
dull appearance

While water alone does not cure skin problems, chronic dehydration worsens them.

Increased Risk of Infections

Dehydration affects immune defence.

Adequate fluids help:

flush bacteria from urinary tract
maintain mucosal barriers
support immune cell function

Low intake increases infection susceptibility.

Impact on Blood Sugar and Metabolism

Dehydration affects metabolic processes.

It may:

worsen insulin resistance
increase sugar cravings
affect appetite regulation

NFHS-5 data highlights dehydration as a contributing factor in metabolic imbalance.

Heat-Related Health Risks

In hot climates, low water intake increases risk of:

heat exhaustion
heat stroke
electrolyte imbalance

WHO heat-health guidelines emphasise hydration as a primary preventive measure.

Why Many People Do Not Drink Enough Water

Common reasons include:

busy work schedules
lack of thirst awareness
preference for caffeinated drinks
limited access during work hours

Thirst often appears after dehydration has begun.

Signs That Water Intake Is Too Low

Common warning signs include:

dark yellow urine
dry mouth
headaches
reduced urination
fatigue

Ignoring these signs increases health risk.

How Much Water Does the Body Need?

Water needs vary based on:

climate
physical activity
body size
health conditions

Most adults require approximately 2–3 litres daily, more in hot or active conditions.

Simple Ways to Improve Hydration

Effective strategies include:

carrying a water bottle
drinking water at regular intervals
increasing intake during heat or illness
limiting sugary and caffeinated beverages

Consistency is more important than quantity at once.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Regular health checkups can detect:

dehydration-related kidney issues
electrolyte imbalance
metabolic stress

Preventive care reduces long-term complications.

Long-Term Consequences of Chronic Dehydration

Persistent low water intake increases risk of:

kidney disease
chronic constipation
urinary disorders
cardiovascular strain

These effects develop gradually and are often overlooked.

Conclusion

The health risks of low water intake extend far beyond temporary thirst. Dehydration affects kidney function, digestion, brain performance, heart health and overall energy levels. In hot climates and busy lifestyles, inadequate hydration has become a silent contributor to chronic health problems. Making water intake a daily priority is one of the simplest and most effective preventive health measures. Small, consistent hydration habits protect the body and support long-term wellbeing.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Hydration and Health Guidelines
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Kidney and Dehydration Studies
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Nutrition and Hydration Indicators
Lancet – Dehydration and Organ Function Research
NITI Aayog – Climate, Heat Stress and Public Health Reports
Statista – Water Consumption and Health Trends

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