Deep Dive into Body Metrics
1. Body Mass Index (BMI) Explained
BMI is the standard tool used by the WHO to categorize weight-related health risks. It measures the relationship between your mass and height.
Standard WHO Categories:
• Underweight: < 18.5
• Healthy: 18.5 – 24.9
• Overweight: 25.0 – 29.9
• Obese: > 30.0
• Underweight: < 18.5
• Healthy: 18.5 – 24.9
• Overweight: 25.0 – 29.9
• Obese: > 30.0
2. BMI Prime: The Efficiency Ratio
BMI Prime expresses your current BMI as a ratio of the upper healthy limit (25.0). It tells you exactly how close you are to being overweight in percentage terms.
• Value of 1.00: You are at the exact top of the healthy weight limit.
• Value of 1.20: You are 20% over the maximum healthy weight.
• Value of 0.85: You are 15% below the maximum healthy limit.
• Value of 1.20: You are 20% over the maximum healthy weight.
• Value of 0.85: You are 15% below the maximum healthy limit.
3. Ponderal Index (PI): The 3D Advantage
Traditional BMI uses height squared (h^2), but humans are 3D beings. The Ponderal Index uses height cubed (h^3). This makes it much more accurate for very tall or very short people, as it measures body density rather than just area.
• Normal Range: 11.0 to 15.0 kg/m³
• High Density: > 15.0 kg/m³ (Typically indicates higher fat or significant muscle mass).
• High Density: > 15.0 kg/m³ (Typically indicates higher fat or significant muscle mass).
Our Methodology:
• BMI = Weight / Height^2
• BMI Prime = Actual BMI / 25
• Ponderal Index = Weight / Height^3
• BMI = Weight / Height^2
• BMI Prime = Actual BMI / 25
• Ponderal Index = Weight / Height^3