Body Mass Index and Disease, Essay Example

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the relationship between the mass of an individual and the subsequent height in meters squared. Individuals with BMIs of less than 18.5 are underweight. Those with BMIs within 18.5 to 24.9 are healthy while those BMIs ranges between 25 and 29.9 are overweight. BMIs greater than 30 are obese. The overweight and the obese have a higher risk of contacting diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and any diseases that affect the heart, lungs and gallbladder (Spadano et al, 1995). After identification of such diseases, a nutrition plan of such victims along with other patient interventions and advice remains the sole goal undone.

Higher BMI is directly proportional to higher body fats thus the principal cause of the heart diseases. Therefore, victims should embark on a diet that reduces body fats. This eventually lowers the risk of contacting heart diseases such as the coronary and the rheumatic heart diseases. A nutrition plan to such individuals is unavoidable (Spadano et al, 1995).

A breakfast comprising of low fat dairy product and brown bread, potatoes or other cereals are advisable. A fruit may follow this afterwards.

In the second meal, it is recommendable that the individuals use vegetables and beans. Ones favorite cereals such as corn or wheat products may accompany this.

Pasteurized low fat milk is preferable in the afternoon before one gets his last meal that might constitute of fish, meat, and vegetables accompanying beans or lentils. However, this healthy plan is not all. Special directions are a prerequisite to such individuals.

Victims should avoid using high levels of salt. Cooking methods such as grilling, baking, and steaming are recommendable. Avoid the frying method. Alcohol intake and smoking is unnecessary. Regular body exercise burns down body fats thus highly recommendable (Hochberg e al, 1999).

Conclusion

The plan and recommendations discussed lower BMI of overweight and obese individuals immensely if strictly followed. This will in turn reduce the risk of contracting various heart diseases.

References

Spadano, M.A., Coakley, E.H., Field, A.E., Colditz, G. & Dietz, W.H. (1999). The disease

burden associated with overweight and obesity. J Am Med Assoc. 1999; 282(16):1523-1529

Hochberg, M.C., Lethbridge-Cejku, M., Scott Jr., Reichle, R., Plato, C.C., Tobin, J.D (1995).

The association of body weight, body fatness and body fat distribution with osteoarthritis of the knee: data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. J  Rheumatol 1995;22:488-496