Karen Mugliett | Body shapes and sizes
As we start a new year many of us must have made resolutions to improve what we eat, when we eat or how much we eat, says Dr Karen Mugliett, NFCS/Home Economics lecturer at the University of Malta.
We are what we eat’, goes the saying and this is now being reflected in the MSA (Malta Standards Authority) survey on the Food Consumption of 19-65-year-olds which was carried out with 1045 participants across Malta. The survey has shown that our average BMI (Body Mass Index) tends to increase with age but stabilises at 50 years of age.
This is indicative of our body mass/fat where a BMI of 25 - 29 shows a person is overweight whereas a BMI over 30 denotes obesity. The survey indicated that the BMIs were highest in the south eastern region in Malta and lowest in Gozo, with the mean BMI for the under 30s being significantly lower than the BMI for the older generation.
It is interesting to note that the survey found that the average weight of an adult increases by 0.22kg yearly, which when taken over a span of around 15 – 20 years can have an alarming affect.
What is BMI?
So what is BMI? The BMI gives you an approximation of one’s body fat in relation to the height. If your BMI is between 20-25, then you have a good healthy weight for your height. This is calculated by taking your weight in kilogrammes and dividing this by your height in metres squared (kg/m2).
The BMI is only a guide and is not aimed at children, older adults or adults with health problems or well-developed muscles. To get a clearer picture of your overall health risks as a result of your weight, you need to look at the body shape to see if the waist circumference is a healthy size for your height.
Are you chilli, pear or apple shaped?
Have you ever heard of a chilli, pear or apple shaped body? What are you? The MSA survey 2010 did measure the waist circumference as this is an additional and good indicator of your health status. Measure your waist and height and try to check where your body shape is by looking at the chart created by Dr. Margaret Ashwell.
This chart (found at bottom of the page) which also identifies the various body shapes, is suitable for adults not young children.
With a pear shaped body the body fat is stored around the hips whereas with an apple shaped body the fat is stored deep below the skin and around the waist. An apple shaped body is more risky and can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, type II diabetes, high blood pressure and some types of cancers. One should try to lose weight if one lies in the amber or red areas on the chart. A chilli shape is not desirable for good health either and you may need to take care not to lose any more weight if you fall within this range.
