Let's measure

We've talked about the risks of being overweight and obese. Now we want to know where we fall, Underweight, Normal, overweight or obese.

Body mass index (BMI) is the most common way of assessing obesity. It is a measure of weight that adjusts for height and correlates highly with body fatness. 

BMI = weight/height²

Now take a few minutes to calculate your BMI, where do you fall?

Waist circumference (WC) on the other hand is a measure for abdominal fat and is suggested to be a better predictor for certain chronic diseases.

It is particularly useful in those with normal BMI.  A high waist circumference or a greater level of abdominal fat is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease.  

Now take a tape measure to measure your waist circumference.

What is it about abdominal fat that makes it strong marker of disease risk? The fat surrounding the liver and other abdominal organs, so-called visceral fat, is very metabolically active. The fat releases fatty acids, inflammatory agents, and hormones that ultimately lead to higher LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, and blood pressure.

Another measurement to consider is the waist-hip ratio. It is the waist circumference divided by the hip circumference.

Now you've measured your BMI, waist circumference and waist-hip ratio. If all three fall within the normal limits, congrats. It means you are healthy, and you need to keep eating right to stay that way.

 If not, don’t worry, I’m here to help you achieve the ideal result.

To speak to a life and health coach, call Dr Funmi Alao on 08023180205, 08095480379, bb pin 75DFCE1F to walk you through the process

ADVICE OF THE DAY: Breathe!!!!!!!!