The weight problem affects so many people, in some countries it is so acute that huge financial and human resources are allocated to find its solution. Individuals, as a rule, have a great chance to eliminate violations of body weight without resorting to operations. To successfully begin this process, you need to perform several actions, such as calculate BMI, undergo a medical examination and select a diet. Let's talk about the very first step. So how to calculate BMI?
What is BMI and what does it mean
BMI stands for Body Mass Index . This is an index by which we can say about the amount of fat in the body and the presence or absence of problems caused by its excess. BMI itself is only one of the diagnostic indicators, and no serious forecasts and conclusions based on it alone can be made. It would be most appropriate to visit a dietitian who will tell you how to calculate the BMI index and conduct an additional examination, as well as draw up the correct weight loss regimen (if necessary).
Body type, its features
Most people, evaluating their attractiveness, primarily think about body weight. Calculating the BMI index as the main indicator of progress towards beauty is fundamentally the wrong approach. In addition to, in fact, in addition to the indicator of body weight and fat thickness, there are many factors that must be considered in order not to harm health.
- Asthenic type. These people are more prone to thinness than fullness. An accelerated metabolism ensures the rapid consumption of calories, which also does not contribute to the growth of adipose tissue. Very often people with this type of physique suffer from excessive thinness. Restoring normal weight requires a lot of time and more effort.
- The normosthenic type is a figure of medium proportions. As a rule, weight fluctuates within small limits.
- The hypersthenic type has wider shoulders and greater body weight. Sometimes people of this type make attempts to significantly reduce their weight, but this is not always possible because of the physique.
Before calculating BMI and building a weight loss regimen on the basis of it, you need to objectively evaluate your own body parameters and try to determine your body type. This is extremely necessary in order not to require the impossible and to bring the weight to the norm as successfully as possible for yourself.
How to calculate BMI (body mass index)
Many are most interested in how much you can trust the results obtained after calculation. Since the very concept of normal weight is quite subjective, there is no single standardized formula for everyone. But the most famous and therefore popular version of the formula for calculating BMI (body mass index) is the weight in kilograms, divided by the height in meters, squared.
For the metric system that is familiar to us, an example of calculation will look like this: with a weight of 70 kg and an increase of 1.70 m, the calculation will be 70 / (1.70) 2 = 24.22
BMI Interpretation
Before calculating BMI, you need to consider some factors. For a person over 20 years of age, this indicator is evaluated on a standard scale, however, for children and adolescents it is necessary to take into account gender and age, for which there are separate results tables.
The standard BMI values in an adult are: 18.5 and less - insufficiency of body weight, 18.5–24.9 - normal indicators, 25.0–29.9 - increased body weight, from 30.0 - obesity.
The above formula, due to its simplicity, can be used by ordinary people to control body weight. But there are other, more specific methods that are used mostly by nutritionists.
What may affect BMI
In addition to the already mentioned body type, other features of each individual person can affect BMI. Despite the fact that age and gender do not give significant deviations of BMI from standard values, in some cases, such fluctuations take place, as in the body of a woman there is more adipose tissue, while in the male muscle predominates. For example: if a man is involved in sports, then more developed muscles will seriously increase his body mass index, since muscles weigh more than fat. This should not scare or disturb.
Appearance and BMI
You need to understand that two people with exactly the same BMI can be very different from each other, and approaching the indicator to the ideal in itself will not make a person irresistible. In addition to regulating body weight, you must also eat right and exercise regularly to help keep the body in good shape.
Also, do not forget about the well-known truth: a beautiful body is a healthy body. Visit your doctor regularly, especially if at this particular moment you are adjusting your weight and monitor changes in BMI. The doctor should study the condition of the body and, possibly, prescribe any related procedures that mitigate the side effects of diets.
Also, do not worry if the BMI is slightly increased and is kept at the lower border of excess weight. If the body does not feel any inconvenience, do not overwork it with dietary restrictions. It may be worth adding small walks to the daily routine and reducing the amount of harmful food components. For example, replace high-calorie chocolate bars with more healthy fruits, and instead of large portions of sweet pastries, eat a little vegetable salad.
But if, after calculating the BMI, it turned out that its value exceeded the threshold, which means obesity, this is an occasion to sign up to the doctor and begin treatment. Obesity is a disease, and often, a person simply cannot physiologically defeat it. In this case, the doctor will tell you what to do and how to bring body weight to healthier values. For some patients, additional diagnostics may be necessary to rule out diseases that contribute to weight gain. If diseases are detected, it is best to undergo treatment beforehand. Very often getting rid of the disease in itself can help reduce weight.