What Exactly is BMI or Body Mass Index?

When you embark of lifestyle changes, you will hear your Healthy & Active counsellor, dietician or naturopath speaking about your BMI.

The Body Mass Index or BMI as it is known in it short form is a calculation that estimates whether or not you are at a healthy weight.  This is important as being overweight puts a strain on your heart and can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, varicose veins, sleep apnea, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

How Does It Work? 

Your BMI estimates how much you should weigh, based on your height. Here are the steps that are used to  calculate this formula:

• Multiply your weight in pounds by 703.
• Divide that answer by your height in inches.
• Divide that answer by your height in inches again.
• For example, a woman who weighs 270 pounds and is 68 inches tall has a BMI of 41.0.

The BMI is a set of standards known as the Body Mass Index Categories. The standards are stated as below.

BMI CATEGORY

• Below 18.5    Underweight
• 18.5 - 24.9     Healthy
• 25.0 - 29.9     Overweight
• 30.0 - 39.9     Obese
• Over 40          Morbidly obese

Most experts conclude that a BMI greater than 30 (obesity) is unhealthy. The greater it is the more likely you are to develop a health production.

BMI may become important when it comes time to apply for health insurance. You can be denied health insurance if you have a BMI over 30.

Results or Effects 

Calculating your BMI is usually an accurate way to determine whether or not you can lose weight. This is true unless you are very old, a child or a body builder.

The reason that the standard BMI calculations may not apply to body builders is because they usually have more muscle and muscle weighs more than fat. This throws the calculation off. Fitness experts and trainers have other ways of calculating body index mass for body builders.

The elderly are expected to have a BMI that is between 25 and 27 and not under 25. This is because being too thin is not a sign of health in the elderly. Having more BMI is an indication that their bones are not developing osteoporosis.

The BMI is not an appropriate tool to use estimate a child’s fitness. To make a correct assessment of a child’s BMI there are numerous factors to consider. That is why it is best to have a doctor decide whether or not your child has a health body mass index.

For more information about the Healthy & Active Program please visit our website at www.healthy-active.com. You may also call us in Toronto at (41) 440-2217 and ask for Adrienne Wright Bulow or Dr. Michael Rahman or email us at adrienne@healthy-active.com.

HAP (Healthy and Active Program) For Beginners

If you have stumbled upon this blog while surfing the Internet, you might be wondering exactly what is the HAP (Healthy & Active) Program? In essence it is a proven metabolism based nutrition program that is aimed at boosting your metabolism. There are no powders, drugs and you don’t have to count calories. This is a simple analysis of your blood components that tells your naturopath what foods you should be eating to maintain a healthy metabolism combined with advice tailored specifically to your needs as to what sorts of foods you should be eating.

The HAP Consultation

The metabolism program begins with an initial consultation in which you are given a full examination so that the doctors can gain an understanding of your overall state of health, lifestyle practices and dietary habits.  A procedure called a Body/Biolelectrical Analysis (BIA) is also conducted to determine your body fat percentage.

During a BIA test a low safe electrical current is passed through the body.  The fluid passes easily through fluids but encounters a phenomenon known as “bioelectrical impedance” when it encounters fat tissue.  This resistance detected by the current is then measured by a computer to figure out your fat percentage. The BIA is usually performed there times during the program to establish a baseline for your body fat index and measure your progress as you journey through the lifestyle changes.

Blood is also drawn and sent to a laboratory for analysis. There are 42 different values that will help provide substantial metabolic analysis of your blood.   Your naturopathic doctor then creates a nutritional plan specific to your specific needs after evaluating the results of the blood analysis.

Your Personal Nutrition Plan

Parsnip and White Bean Soup
A Delicious HAP Recipe

When your blood results arrive back, your naturopathic doctor will then review it to help you understand how it works and discuss the three phases of HAP.

Phase #1 – The Preparation Phase. This phase takes two days and prepared your body for the coming adjustments.

Phase #2 – Metabolic Adjustment. This phase takes four weeks during which time the body adjusts to the new way of eating.  Foods that may have been disabling your metabolism from working properly are replaced with foods that boost it.

Phase #3 – This phase takes four weeks during which your adjusted metabolism is strengthened as you adjust to your new eating and lifestyle habits.

The Follow Up

Once you have cycled through the program your ND will conduct a second BIA to make sure you are maintaining it well.  You will also be offered exercise guidance and emotional support throughout the entire program.  Exercises that fit your specific needs will be recommended, as well as a routine that fits in with your lifestyle.

Remember that this is a program tailored specifically to your needs and the program that works for you may not work for a friend or relative asking you to “pass it on.”  The fact is that the HAP program works just simply because it is so individualized.

For more information about the Healthy & Active Program please visit our website at www.healthy-active.com. You may also call us in Toronto at (41) 440-2217 and ask for Adrienne Wright Bulow or Dr. Michael Rahman or email us at adrienne@healthy-active.com.