The discussions about the factors determining human lifespan continue in the global scientific community. This was reported by Upl.uz.
Recent analytical data, particularly presentations by specialists in dietetics and public health, indicate a special focus on the body mass index (BMI). This indicator is accepted as one of the main prognostic tools related to the likelihood of a long life.
Nutritionist Olga Romashina emphasized in an interview with "Vechernyaya Moskva" that the BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9 is recognized as the international norm. At the same time, a detailed analysis conducted among the group of long-lived individuals showed that their BMI values are often close to or slightly above the upper limit of this range.
This suggests that having a slightly higher body mass may serve a protective function for the body in the long term. To calculate the BMI, one must measure body mass in kilograms and divide it by the square of height expressed in meters.
For example, a person weighing 70 kilograms and 1.75 meters tall has a BMI value of 22.86, which falls in the middle of the optimal range. However, experts recommend being cautious about accepting BMI as the sole measure of health, as it cannot distinguish between fat and muscle tissue.
For instance, among professional athletes or those engaged in regular strength training, BMI may often be above normal due to high muscle mass, not fat gain. Therefore, it is essential to consider multiple factors when assessing an individual's health status.
Metabolic characteristics, hereditary factors, level of physical activity, and harmful habits, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, all impact health. A comprehensive approach is a key method in developing precise health recommendations.
Local authorities, particularly mayors, are actively continuing to implement programs aimed at raising public awareness on these issues and emphasizing the importance of preventive medicine. The body mass index was developed in the 1830s by Belgian sociologist and statistician Adolphe Quetelet.
Initially, its purpose was not to measure an individual's excess weight but to statistically describe the "average person" for demographic studies. Later, this indicator began to be widely used in medical practice as a tool for assessing weight.
