Body mass index - an indicator developed by a Belgian scientist Adolf Quetelet. The body mass index can be calculated using indicators from the WHO table. Overweight prevents a person from leading a healthy lifestyle and enjoying it. To prevent obesity, you need to follow a normal BMI.
Why do I need to know BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) - This is an indicator by which the level of compliance of a person's height with his weight is assessed. The index is used for a general assessment of a person’s weight - whether it is normal, insufficient, or excessive.
Adolphe Ketle for 20 years (from 1830 to 1850) worked on social physics. During this period of time, he developed a formula for calculating a person’s normal weight. The formula of BMI became known only after the death of the scientist. The first she took nutritionist Ankel Case. He published his first article on nutrition with a deduction of BMI in 1972.
BMI is used by doctors when prescribing a diet, in conjunction with which it is possible to cure the disease. The formula is popular among people who want to lose those extra pounds and look slimmer.
Formula for calculating body mass index
It is not necessary to go to a nutritionist to calculate the BMI. In order to get a value, it is enough to put the growth indicators (in meters) in a square. Then the weight should be divided by the result to get the body mass index.
BMI = weight (kg): (height (m)) 2.
Given these indicators, nutritionists created a base table that helps determine the BMI and its standard for a woman. Before calculating the body mass index by a certain formula, you need to consider that it is not for everyone.
for example, the calculation does not need to be carried out by people with growth below 155 cm and above 174 cm. Otherwise, it will be necessary to subtract or add 10 percent to the obtained indicator. Also calculate body mass index does not need people who are actively involved in sports: jogging, swimming, cycling, weightlifting, and more.
What is the normal body mass index?
If a person wants to feel good, he should watch his weight. There are totals, which determine the presence of excess kilograms:
- From 30 units and more. If the value is included in this indicator, the doctor will make a diagnosis - obesity. In this case, you should contact a professional nutritionist or, if possible, go in for sports and get food. If you do not follow a diet, then there is a risk of developing diseases;
- From 25 to 29 units. If the calculated value is in this range, the person’s weight is excessive. To solve the problem will require proper nutrition and exercise;
- From 19 to 24. Figures indicate the ideal weight of a person. There is no need for weight loss. The main task of the woman is to maintain the current form;
- 19 and below. If, when calculating the BMI, the value turned out to be below 19, the weight must be gained. Preliminary consultations are held with a doctor to determine the causes of lack of weight.
The human body works differently in 25 years and 45. In this regard, the rate of BMI may differ. To calculate it in accordance with age, you should use a different formula. If the age of the woman is less than 40 years, then for calculation it is necessary to subtract 110 from height in centimeters, and if it is more, then 100.
BMI calculation examplea woman is 39 years old and a height of 167. From 167 we subtract 110 and it turns out 57. We compare the obtained figure with the table and make a conclusion about the presence or absence of extra kilos.
Body mass index for children
Children do not fit the standard table of indicators of BMI. They have their own, with which you need to carefully check. To begin, you will need to calculate the body weight of the child in kilograms and divided by his height in the square, expressed in meters. The result obtained is compared with the table.
Indicators of a normal body mass index in a child are from 13 to 21, depending on their gender and age.
for example, a child of 5 years old, weighs 40 kilograms with his height of 1.4 m. It will be necessary to divide 40 by 1.1 = 28.5. The total figure in the table below indicates that the child has obesity.
Child health is the main task of parents. Regardless how old he is - 2 or 18, his health must be monitored. The BMI index can tell mom if the child has a tendency to obesity and whether it is necessary to solve the problem of weight gain.
