Learn: Energy Budgets, BMI and Waist-to-Hip Ratio

Welcome!You've already explored how diet can impact health, including carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Now, let's build on that to understand how energy intake and expenditure, alongside measures like BMI and waist-to-hip ratio, help assess overall health.

What is an Energy Budget?An energy budget refers to the balance between energy intake (food and drink) and energy expenditure (activities and metabolic processes). If intake exceeds expenditure, weight is gained, while if expenditure exceeds intake, weight is lost.

Energy Intake and ExpenditureEnergy intake comes from the food we eat, measured in kilocalories (kcal). Expenditure includes basal metabolic rate (BMR), physical activity, and energy used for digestion. A balanced energy budget supports healthy weight maintenance.

What is BMI?Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure used to assess whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. It considers weight and height using the formula: BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m²).

Waist-to-Hip RatioWaist-to-hip ratio measures fat distribution in the body. It's calculated by dividing waist measurement by hip measurement. A higher ratio indicates more abdominal fat, which is linked to increased health risks.

Health Risks of Imbalanced RatiosA BMI above 25 or a high waist-to-hip ratio can indicate increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues. Maintaining a healthy balance is crucial.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about energy budgets, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio. Let's test your understanding with a few questions.

ConclusionWell done! You've explored how energy budgets, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio help assess health. Keep these concepts in mind when considering lifestyle choices and their impact on health.