Calculating the BMI
Do you remember all the calories you consumed yesterday? Probably not. After all, you can’t always memorize everything you’ve consumed. But during these moments of distraction, your health can suffer. That’s why it is so important to know how to calculate your BMI and control your weight.
Is this a new subject for you? Not sure what this acronym means and what the importance of this calculation for your health is? The tips below will help you.
Check them out!
What is BMI?
BMI is the acronym for Body Mass Index. This method is used by the WHO (World Health Organization). It shows quickly and easily whether a specific person is at their ideal weight.
This calculation considers the relationship between weight x height and may show whether there is predisposition to diseases resulting from a sedentary lifestyle and obesity, such as diabetes, stroke, among others.
Based on the result, you start paying more attention to your own weight and thinking about possible ways of adopting healthy habits, such as physical exercise and diet, as well as consuming fruits and vegetables with greater frequency.
Calculating the BMI: How to do it
Calculating BMI¹ is practical and simple. The formula is weight/height x height. That is, if your weight is 50kg and your height is 1.50m, calculate: 50/1.50 x 1.50 = 22.22. That’s the result of your BMI.
Keep in mind that this calculation is not valid for the elderly, children, weightlifters and pregnant women, who have specific body mass conditions.
In addition, the BMI is not recommended for situations of malnutrition, edemas, ascites and bedridden patients.
The Ideal BMI
According to the person’s height and weight, the ideal BMI is from 18.5 to 24.9 – of course, excluding the specific groups mentioned earlier.
Calculate your BMI!
BMI Chart
Now that you understand how to calculate the BMI, it’s time to compare the result according to the chart provided by the WHO and check if you’re at the ideal weight, below the recommended weight or overweight.
Remember: the ideal is that this result is evaluated by a health professional.
BMI: From 16 to 16.9
Classification: Too much underweight
Possible consequences: Hair loss; absence of menstrual period; infertility
BMI: From 17 to 18.4
Classification: Underweight
Possible consequences: Anxiety; fatigue; stress
BMI: From 18.5 to 24.9
Classification: Normal weight
Possible consequences: Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases
BMI: From 25 to 29.9
Classification: Overweight
Possible consequences: Poor circulation; fatigue; varicose veins
BMI: From 30 to 34.9
Classification: Class I Obesity
Possible consequences: Heart attack; angina; atherosclerosis; diabetes
BMI: From 35 to 40
Classification: Class II Obesity
Possible consequences: Shortness of breath; sleep apnea
BMI: Above 40
Classification: Class III Obesity
Possible consequences: Difficulty in moving; reflux; heart attack; stroke; bedsores; diabetes
The care for those who are underweight
If the result of your BMI shows that you are underweight, increase food consumption with good amounts of nutrients, proteins, vitamins and minerals to prevent diseases. Drinking plenty of water can also help recover your physical shape.
- Do you want to know how much water you should drink a day? Click here and check it out!
Reference: ¹Ministry of Health
