Cholesterol BMI

Being overweight or obese increases the chances of high triglycerides, low HDL, and high LDL. Also leads to high pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems. Having excess weight around the waist, may likely to develop the metabolic syndrome.

If overweight and have high cholesterol, may need to get the LDL and the weight under control by changing the diet and increasing physical activity. At the start of the TLC program, the main focus will be on lowering LDL toward the goal level by making changes such as reducing saturated fat and calories and increasing fiber, which could also helps to lose weight.

After about 2–3 months of TLC, if still overweight, then may need to focus additional attention on losing weight as the approach to LDL goal, especially if have the metabolic syndrome.

Body mass index

The Body Mass Index or Quetelet index is a statistical measure of body weight based on a person's height. It is so ease to measure and calculate, so most widely used tool to identify weight problems, such as underweight, overweight or obese. It was invented by the Belgian polymath Adolphe Quetelet between1830 and 1850.

BMI calculation formula

BMI calculation formula in SI units

    BMI = Mass in kg divided by the square of height in meters.

BMI calculation formula in Imperial units

    BMI = Mass in lb multiply by 703 divided by the square of height in inches.

Or

    BMI = Mass in lb multiply by 4.88 divided by the square of height in feets.

Cholesterol BMI relationship

Studies on relationship between body mass index and serum cholesterol shows a significant, direct association of BMI and total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in men. HDL-cholesterol was inversely related to BMI in both sexes. Sex differences in the association of BMI with total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol, may account for the lower risk for CHD in women compared with men of similar BMI.

Body mass index (BMI) chart – Check your BMI

BMI relates the weight to the height. BMIs for various heights and weights are

* Weight is measured without shoes.
Source: National Institutes of Health.
Find your height in the left-hand column (Green) and your weight* (Red) in one of the columns to the right. The number at the top of that column will be your BMI (Blue).

Healthy body mass index (BMI)

• Normal weight: BMI = 18.5–24.9
• Overweight: BMI = 25–29.9
• Obese: BMI = 30 or greater

Healthy waist size

A waist measurement of 35 inches or more for women or 40 inches or more for men is one of the factors involved in the metabolic syndrome. It also indicates an increased risk of obesity-related conditions, such as heart disease.

Many health experts are even more stringent, recommending a target of 30 inches or less for a woman and 35 for a man.

How to measure Waistline

Here are the procedure to measure one's waistline size.

• Have a measuring tape.
• Upper garment covering the waist should be removed, or at least hold it up with the hands.
• The exact waistline can be easily identified, it is just ½ inch above the bellybutton (navel).
• Measuring tape should be hold just above the navel and wrap around the body. Confirm that the tape runs a perfect circle around the waist without sag in between.
• During measurement do not pull the stomach in and be relaxed.
• Note down the number that ends on near the start point of the tape, that is the waist size measurement.

Next Physical activities - Cholesterol