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

Understanding Body Mass Index Chart?

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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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Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis Symptoms and Treatment: Early Signs, Diagnosis, and Recovery

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest known infectious diseases and continues to be a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. India accounts for a significant proportion of global TB cases, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. The good news is that tuberculosis is preventable, treatable and curable when detected early and managed properly.

Understanding tuberculosis symptoms and treatment is critical for reducing disease spread, preventing complications and achieving complete recovery.

 

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also involve other parts of the body such as:

  • lymph nodes
     

  • bones and joints
     

  • kidneys
     

  • brain
     

TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.

 

Why Tuberculosis Remains a Major Health Issue

According to the World Health Organization and ICMR data:

  • millions of new TB cases are reported annually
     

  • delayed diagnosis increases transmission
     

  • incomplete treatment leads to drug resistance
     

Early detection and treatment are key to TB control.

 

Common Tuberculosis Symptoms

TB symptoms often develop gradually and may be mild in the early stages, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Persistent Cough

A cough lasting more than two to three weeks is a hallmark symptom of pulmonary TB.

The cough may:

  • be dry or productive
     

  • worsen over time
     

  • sometimes produce blood
     

 

Fever and Night Sweats

Low-grade fever, especially in the evenings, is common.

Night sweats that soak clothing or bedding are a classic TB sign.

 

Unexplained Weight Loss

TB increases metabolic demand and reduces appetite, leading to significant weight loss.

 

Fatigue and Weakness

Persistent tiredness and reduced stamina occur due to chronic infection.

 

Chest Pain

Chest discomfort or pain may occur during coughing or breathing.

 

Symptoms of Extra-Pulmonary TB

When TB affects organs outside the lungs, symptoms depend on the site involved and may include:

  • swollen lymph nodes
     

  • bone or joint pain
     

  • headaches or neurological symptoms
     

  • urinary issues
     

 

Why TB Symptoms Are Often Ignored

Many TB symptoms resemble common infections or general weakness.

This leads to:

  • delayed medical consultation
     

  • prolonged transmission
     

  • disease progression
     

Awareness improves early detection.

 

How Tuberculosis Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis involves a combination of:

  • sputum tests
     

  • chest X-ray
     

  • molecular tests such as CBNAAT
     

  • blood tests and imaging for extra-pulmonary TB
     

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

 

Tuberculosis Treatment Explained

TB treatment involves a combination of antibiotics taken over a fixed duration.

Standard TB Treatment

For drug-sensitive TB, treatment typically lasts:

  • 6 months
     

The regimen includes multiple antibiotics taken in phases to ensure complete bacterial clearance.

 

Importance of Treatment Adherence

TB bacteria are slow-growing and resilient.

Stopping treatment early can result in:

  • incomplete cure
     

  • relapse
     

  • drug-resistant TB
     

Completing the full course is essential.

 

Drug-Resistant TB

If TB bacteria become resistant to standard drugs, treatment becomes longer and more complex.

Drug-resistant TB requires:

  • specialised medications
     

  • longer treatment duration
     

  • close medical supervision
     

Prevention of resistance depends on correct treatment from the start.

 

Side Effects of TB Treatment

Some individuals may experience side effects such as:

  • nausea
     

  • loss of appetite
     

  • mild liver enzyme changes
     

Most side effects are manageable with medical guidance and do not require stopping treatment.

 

TB and Public Health

TB is not just an individual health issue but a community concern.

Effective TB control requires:

  • early diagnosis
     

  • treatment adherence
     

  • contact tracing
     

  • public awareness
     

India’s national TB elimination programmes focus on these strategies.

 

Preventing Tuberculosis

Preventive measures include:

  • early detection and treatment of active TB
     

  • improving nutrition and immunity
     

  • adequate ventilation in living spaces
     

  • screening close contacts
     

BCG vaccination offers partial protection, especially in children.

 

Living With and Recovering From TB

With proper treatment:

  • symptoms gradually improve
     

  • infection becomes non-contagious
     

  • normal life can be resumed
     

Regular follow-up ensures complete recovery.

 

When to Seek Medical Help

Consult a healthcare provider if experiencing:

  • cough lasting more than two weeks
     

  • unexplained weight loss
     

  • persistent fever or night sweats
     

  • blood in sputum
     

Early action saves lives and prevents spread.

 

Long-Term Outlook After TB Treatment

Most individuals who complete treatment:

  • recover fully
     

  • regain normal lung function
     

  • return to daily activities
     

Long-term complications are rare with timely care.

 

Conclusion

Tuberculosis symptoms and treatment must be understood clearly to combat this preventable and curable disease. Persistent cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss should never be ignored. Early diagnosis, complete treatment adherence and regular follow-up are essential for curing TB and preventing transmission. With proper medical care and public awareness, tuberculosis can be effectively controlled and eliminated as a public health threat.


 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Tuberculosis Epidemiology and Treatment Guidelines
  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Global Tuberculosis Report
  • National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) – Government of India
  • Lancet Infectious Diseases – TB Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Infectious Disease Indicators
  • Statista – Global Tuberculosis Burden and Trends

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