On Thursday, Nithin Kamath, founder and CEO Zerodha, built a ‘healthy’ announcement that all those with system mass index (BMI) less than 25 will get half a month’s wage as bonus.
In the tweet, created by his formal account, the CEO also informs about the regular BMI of the crew. If it goes down below 24 by August, everyone in the workforce will get half a month’s income as bonus. Incorporating more regulations, the CEO suggests, “The most affordable common BMI or the largest adjust in normal BMI wins. The winner chooses a charity everyone else contributes to.”
We are jogging a enjoyment wellness software at @zerodhaonline. Everyone on our staff with BMI <25 gets half a month's salary as bonus. The avg BMI of our team is 25.3 & if we can get to <24 by Aug, everyone gets another ½ month as a bonus. It'd be fun to compete with other companies ? 1/3
— Nithin Kamath (@Nithin0dha) April 7, 2022
What is BMI?
BMI or the body mass index is the value derived from the weight and height of an individual. BMIs between 20 to 25 are considered to be good for health. BMI numbers below 20 and above 25 are not considered to be healthy.
As per a study: BMI is an estimate of body fat and a good gauge of your risk for diseases that can occur with more body fat. The higher your BMI, the higher your risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers.
Do people consider Zerodha CEO’s decision ‘healthy’
Many Twitter users have compared this initiative to “The Office” show’s Dunder Mifflin weight loss program.
In the fifth season of ‘The Office’ the Dunder Mifflin company participates in a company-wide weight loss competition. The prize was to win extra vacation days.
Many other Twitter users have criticized the CEO for taking such an initiative.
“This is serious discrimination and body shaming. There is nothing ‘fun’ about your program. Why should my pay or a bonus be linked to my body type? The only thing relevant is my work,” says one user.
“I hope your team does not have any pregnant women or nursing mothers… It is typical for women to gain weight in this phase of their life. And, in your team they’ll be penalised or made to compete. Is this fair to them ?,” says another user actually pointing out a very serious topic.
People have said the move to be a disappointment. “I’ve found Zerodha to be a company that is supportive of rights based work and that’s always won my support for you all. This is fat shaming, not grounded in science and places health as the individual onus of one person and adds a moral value to health. Very dissapointing,” says one user.
Is BMI the right way?
However, BMI is not considered to be the correct estimate. It may overestimate body fat in those who have a muscular build and may underestimate the fat in older people.
“PS: I know BMI isn’t the best measure to track health & fitness, but it is the easiest way to get started. With health & most other things in life, the most important bit is to get started. Btw, walking 10,000 steps daily is a great start if you’ve been wanting to get healthy,” says Nithin Kamath.
Few common questions regarding BMI have been answered:
- What is BMI?
BMI or the body mass index is the value derived from the weight and height of an individual. BMIs between 20 to 25 are considered to be good for health. BMI numbers below 20 and above 25 are not considered to be healthy. - How can I calculate my BMI?
Body Mass Index is calculated by using a person’s height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m2 where kg is a person’s weight in kilograms and m2 is their height in metres squared. - What is the normal BMI?
Ideally, a BMI between 20 and 25 is considered to be normal.
