News tagged with body mass index

First evidence that obesity gene is risk factor for melanoma

The gene most strongly linked to obesity and overeating may also increase the risk of malignant melanoma – the most deadly skin cancer, reveals research published in Nature Genetics.

Genetics created Mar 04, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Researchers quantify how many years of life are gained by being physically active

In a new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, researchers have quantified how many years of life are gained by being physically active at different ...

Health created Nov 06, 2012 | popularity 4.4 / 5 (12) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Researchers identify a potential new risk for sleep apnea: Asthma

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin have identified a potential new risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea: asthma. Using data from the National Institutes of Health (Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)-funded Wisconsin ...

Sleep apnea created May 19, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Study finds that sleep apnea and Alzheimer's are linked

A new study looking at sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and markers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neuroimaging adds to the growing body of research linking the two.

Alzheimer's disease & dementia created May 19, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Free fatty acids linked to cardiac risk in late adulthood

(HealthDay)—Blood levels of free fatty acids are associated with insulin resistance during young adulthood and cardiovascular risk factors in later adulthood, according to a study published online May 13 ...

Cardiology created May 17, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Body fat hardens arteries after middle age

Having too much body fat makes arteries become stiff after middle age, a new study has revealed.

Cardiology created May 15, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Social gaming promotes healthy behavior, reveals new research

Adding social gaming elements to a behavior tracking program led people to exercise more frequently and helped them decrease their body-mass index, according to new research from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, the Keck ...

Health created Apr 18, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Genetic markers linked to the development of lymphedema in breast cancer survivors

A new UCSF study has found a clear association between certain genes and the development of lymphedema, a painful and chronic condition that often occurs after breast cancer surgery and some other cancer treatments.

Cancer created Apr 16, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Genetic discovery found to influence obesity in people of African ancestry

The largest genetic search for "obesity genes" in people of African ancestry has led to the discovery of three new regions of the human genome that influence obesity in these populations and others.

Genetics created Apr 15, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Early poor mental health link to early puberty

(Medical Xpress)—Children who have an earlier onset of puberty have poorer mental health from as early as preschool age, a new study by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute has found.

Psychology & Psychiatry created Apr 02, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Incorporating physical activity in curriculum can boost academic performance, research finds

(Medical Xpress)—Every teacher knows elementary students have energy to burn, but given the increased focus on meeting specific test scores and the challenges of the school day it's not easy to fit in enough time for physical ...

Health created Mar 18, 2013 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (4) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Depressed patients less likely to complete cardiac rehab

(HealthDay)—Depressed patients are less likely to complete exercise-based, cardiac rehabilitation programs, regardless of whether they are taking antidepressants, according to a study published in the Feb. ...

Cardiology created Feb 15, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Long noncoding RNAs control development of fat cells

Whitehead Institute researchers have identified a previously unrecognized layer of genetic regulation that is necessary for the generation of undesirable white fat cells. When this regulation is disrupted, white fat cells ...

Overweight and Obesity created Feb 13, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Diabetes drug may offer 'modest' weight loss for very obese teens

(HealthDay)—The drug Byetta, approved for adults with type 2 diabetes, appears to help severely obese teens lose some weight, a small study found.

Pediatrics created Feb 05, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Study finds growing 'weight extremes' in the developing world

(Medical Xpress)—Obese and overweight people are gaining weight rapidly in low-and middle-income countries while those who are severely undernourished are not experiencing similar weight gains, according to a University ...

Overweight and Obesity created Jan 16, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Body mass index

The body mass index (BMI), or Quetelet index, is a controversial statistical measurement which compares a person's weight and height. Though it does not actually measure the percentage of body fat, it may be a useful tool to estimate a healthy body weight based on how tall a person is. Due to its ease of measurement and calculation, it is the most widely used diagnostic tool to identify weight problem within a population including: underweight, overweight and obesity. It was invented between 1830 and 1850 by the Belgian polymath Adolphe Quetelet during the course of developing "social physics". Body mass index is defined as the individual's body weight divided by the square of his or her height. The formulae universally used in medicine produce a unit of measure of kg/m2. BMI can also be determined using a BMI chart, which displays BMI as a function of weight (horizontal axis) and height (vertical axis) using contour lines for different values of BMI or colours for different BMI categories.

For more information about Body mass index, read the full article at Wikipedia.
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