Do You Really Know Your BMI?
Introduction
We’ve all had our Jack-and-Jill moments — that dramatic tumble down the stairs, the quick slip on wet ground, or the awkward fall that leaves you staring at the floor in shock. Sometimes you laugh it off. Other times, you wince, pop a painkiller, and move on — at least you think you do. But not every fall forgives so easily. Some leave the body complaining for weeks, months, or even years. And here’s the part most people miss: it’s not always about how bad the fall looked. Sometimes, it’s about the body you brought into the fall.
That’s where your Body Mass Index (BMI) comes in. Do you know yours? When was the last time you checked?
What About The Body Mass Index?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple way to check whether someone is underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. It’s calculated from your weight and height:
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²)
Underweight: <18.5
Normal weight: 18.5 – 24.9
Overweight: 25 – 29.9
Obese: ≥30
Now, BMI isn’t perfect — it doesn’t distinguish between fat and muscle. But it does give us a fair idea of how much load your body, especially your joints and spine, has to carry every single day. Think of it like wearing a backpack: the heavier it is, the more strain your back and knees feel. Now imagine carrying that backpack all day, every day.
Here’s where it gets serious:
If you slip and fall with a higher BMI, the force of your weight hitting the ground increases the risk of complications.
That could mean a slipped disc in the spine, a twisted ankle, or even slower recovery after the injury.
What might be a “simple fall” for someone with a normal BMI could become a life-changing injury for someone carrying extra weight.
In other words, BMI isn’t just a number on a chart — it’s a risk factor for how your body handles accidents and recovers from them.
Why High BMI Increases Injury Risks
BMI is just one of many risk factors after a fall — but it can greatly increase the risk of serious complications. While genetics play a role, managing weight is still a choice. Take a moment to reflect on your family’s health, then check your own BMI at a medical centre. Why does this matter? Because extra weight doesn’t just change appearance — it changes how your body handles stress, falls, and recovery. Here’s why:
More Force on Impact
A higher BMI means more weight hitting the ground, raising the risk of fractures, slipped discs, and sprains.
Extra Load on Joints
Knees, hips, and ankles carry extra strain daily, weakening cartilage and ligaments over time.
Slower Healing
Obesity is linked to poor circulation, diabetes, and inflammation — all of which delay recovery.
Reduced Mobility
Higher weight makes balance and quick movements harder, increasing both fall risk and injury severity.
Where Physiotherapy Comes In
A higher BMI doesn’t just increase your risk of complications after a fall or injury; it also puts continuous strain on your joints, spine, and muscles, making them more vulnerable. That’s where physiotherapy steps in. As physiotherapists, we don’t just treat the pain after it happens — we help you prevent the worst-case scenario. Through tailored exercises, posture correction, weight-bearing training, and lifestyle advice, we help reduce the pressure on your joints and improve the strength and flexibility of your spine and limbs. And if an injury does occur, rehab ensures your recovery is smoother, faster, and with fewer complications. So whether your BMI is on the high side, low side, or just right, physiotherapy is your partner in making sure every step you take is safe, strong, and sustainable.
Final Thoughts
Enough of guessing your BMI. It's time to take the right step and check it out.
Find out today and let us know where you stand at The Physio Diary (via +2348126973878).
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