Body Mass Index is a world-famous technique for determining if you are overweight. Using the simplest formula, experts suggest calculating BMI based on body weight and human height. For most people, this technique can determine if they are overweight, which negatively affects their health and increases the risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and even cancerous tumors.
For whom is this technique not effective? For professional athletes (due to the presence of dense muscle mass), children, pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as elderly people with a fragile physique. A separate classification was developed for children, and everyone else should try other methods of assessing their weight.
Calculating BMI is very easy. To do this, take the value of your weight in kilograms and divide by the height (in meters) squared. For example, take a girl with a height of 1.7 m and a completely normal weight of 58 kg. To begin with, we will square the growth: 1.7 * 1.7 = 2.89. Now we can easily determine the BMI: 58 / 2.89 = 20.06.
When we got a certain value, it's time to turn to the decryption:
- Less than 18.5. Such indicators indicate a lack of mass. Of course, the likelihood of diseases that often accompany obesity is minimal, but at the same time, the risk of acquiring various other disorders is increased. In particular, underweight in women can lead to a serious malfunction of the menstrual cycle, which entails problems with childbearing. In addition, osteoporosis, poor digestibility of nutrients, etc. can also occur.
- 18.5-24.99. This is the most optimal indicator. Weight is in ideal proportions and does not pose a risk to human health. It is not necessary to lose weight or recover, but small adjustments are acceptable to acquire a more toned figure. It all depends on the weight of muscle tissue and the individual characteristics of the body. At the age of 30 years, the ideal BMI indicator is 22-23, so when approaching the upper boundary indicators, you should think about weight loss or its stabilization. In the case when the waist in girth is more than 80-94 cm, there is a risk of developing diseases caused by overweight.
- 25-29.99. If the BMI calculation showed such indicators, then you are overweight. The likelihood of concomitant diseases increases several times. In order to more accurately determine the level of risk of health problems, measure the waist. Try to stop gaining weight as soon as possible and get rid of excess. With a BMI of 27-28 in both men and women, the risk of developing diseases such as hypertension and diabetes is sharply increased.
- 30-34.99. These numbers indicate the presence of obesity of the first degree. Obesity is a disease that is associated not only with a high content of fat cells in the body, but also with the likelihood of serious heart problems. Also, with this weight, diabetes and hypertension can develop. The risk increases with waist size. In this situation, people should immediately lose weight, as even a slight decrease in BMI will improve their health.
- 35-40. The indicator is quite high and signals about obesity of the second degree. The risk of acquiring concomitant diseases leading to premature death is significantly increased. It is necessary to immediately review the diet and exclude all unnecessary from it.
- More than 40. An indicator of more than 40 indicates a serious problem - obesity of the third degree. With this weight, your life expectancy is significantly reduced. It is strongly recommended that you lose at least 20-30 kilograms.
It is not enough just to calculate the BMI and determine the presence of a problem, because if nothing changes, then concomitant diseases will begin to weaken the body's defenses, which significantly reduces life.
First of all, be sure to contact a nutritionist who will select a specific diet for you. Eating healthy foods and a moderate amount of calories will allow you to get rid of dangerous fatty deposits. In addition, the body will be cleaned and skin and hair problems will disappear, sleep will normalize, and the feeling of tiredness in the morning will disappear.
It is also desirable to determine the percentage of fat in the body. If BMI can be calculated independently, then the amount of adipose tissue can be determined only by special devices. In people with normal weight, the fat content is 15-20% for men and 25-27% for women. It should be borne in mind that in athletes these indicators are reduced by 5-7%. In obesity, the percentage of adipose tissue is more than 30% for men and more than 35% for women. Indicators of 55% and above indicate the third stage of obesity.
Now that you know how to calculate BMI, it's time to pull yourself together and give yourself health and beauty!