16.2: Global Distribution of BMI
- Page ID
- 138566
\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)
Global Distribution of BMI
Learning Objectives
- Chart and analyze global BMI data.
- Identify trends in global BMI data.
- Calculate one’s own BMI and relate it to larger global and national trends.
Supplies Needed
- Scale and measuring tape
- Worksheet (provided)
- Graphing software or PowerPoint
Readings
Introduction
Steps
- Students will weigh themselves and measure their height, documenting these data in pounds and feet/inches.
- Using the National Institute of Health BMI calculator, students calculate their own BMI.
- Students select six countries to track. They then access these countries, using WHO data and list the percentage of each country’s population that have a BMI of 30 or greater by year.
- Using a charting software or PowerPoint chart feature, students input the BMI data from all of their six countries into a single chart, including data from 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005, 2015. They then project what the BMI will be for each country in 2025.
- Students analyze the data, discuss trends, and hypothesize why there are differences between countries and changes over time.
- Students reflect on their own BMI in relation to country trends.
Review Questions
- Why do BMI differ so much from country to country?
- What could be the causes of the progressive increase in BMI in most countries since 1975?
- Who benefits from the global obesity epidemic? Think about the following industries and institutions: How might the medical establishment profit from obesity? The fitness industry? The diet industry? Fashion? Pharmaceutical companies? Food manufacturers? Advertisers?
Tips and Suggestions
Adapting for Online Learning
For Further Exploration
- The World Most Obese Nations by Animated Stats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvJsEX9MWpw
- Watch the World Become Obese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMqxTuoWqsQ
References
Image Attributions
Global Distribution of BMI Worksheet
Step One: Calculate Your BMI
BMI | Category |
<18.5 | Underweight |
18.5–24.9 | Normal weight |
25–29.9 | Overweight |
30 or greater | Obesity |
Step Two: Document Global BMI Data
BMI Data for Select Countries
Country 1 | Country 2 | Country 3 | Country 4 | Country 5 | Country 6 | |
1975 | ||||||
1985 | ||||||
1995 | ||||||
2005 | ||||||
2015 |
Step Three: Graph the Data
- For a tutorial on how to create a line graph in google docs, click here.
- For a tutorial on how to create a line graph in Microsoft PowerPoint, click here.
Example Chart
Step Four: Analyze the Data
BMI Estimate for 2025
Country 1 | Country 2 | Country 3 | Country 4 | Country 5 | Country 6 | |
2025 |
- What happened to the BMI data in your chart from 1975 to 2015? Was it the same for all countries in your chart?
- Based on what you learned in chapter 16, explain why you think the trends you noted in your chart occurred. What accounts for the similarities or differences between the countries?
- What do you think are the global consequences for all humans of these trends?
Step Five: Wrap-up
- How does your BMI (from Step 1) compare with the most recent average for your country? Why do you think your BMI is the same or different from the average?
- If you lived in a different country, one with a different average BMI, do you think over time your BMI would become similar to that country’s average? Explain.
- Which do you think more strongly influences your own health, your environment or your inherited biology? Explain.