what is your ideal weight?

The body mass index relates your weight to your height and determines the category in which you fall. For your health, know yours.

When talking about weight and nutritionone of the most common acronyms is the body mass index (BMI). This acronym is used all over the world as a quick and practical indicator to relate weight and height and, subsequently, detect cases of excessive thinness or even obesity.

An important detail that you should consider when calculating your BMI is that it is not a starting point for depressive behavior or crazy diets. Therefore, always seek the help of specialists (doctors, nutritionists, personal trainers) and establish a program to help you achieve your goals.

Body Mass Index: What is it?

It is a very simple measure that results from a mathematical formula.

O body mass index It was developed at the end of the 19th century by Lambert Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian astronomer, mathematician and sociologist who decided in 1835 to launch a work in which he proposed a criterion to verify and analyze the proportionality between body mass and height. This criterion is currently used by the World Health Organization (WHO) to detect possible changes in the weight of each of us.

Despite being a very useful instrument, it is important not to focus only on the body mass index, after all there are some variables such as the type of diet and physical condition that may be associated.

Therefore, we should always look at the body mass index as a control tool.

How is it calculated

The body mass index is quite easy to calculate, just apply the following formula that relates weight (kg) and height (m)…

Weight (Kg) / Height (m)^2

We leave an example so you can understand better: If an individual weighs 75 kilos and measures 1.70 meters, the calculation should be as follows:

1st Calculate the square of your height, that is, 1.70 x 1.70 = 2.89;
2nd Divide the weight by the previously calculated value, that is, 75 / 2.89 = 25.95;
3rd Get your BMI result, in this case 25.95.

It is important that after calculating your body mass index, you consult the reference table. The objective is to divide the different BMI values ​​by step, thus associating them with a type of classification. He can consult the table here and thus understand where you are at this moment.

Please note that this table and respective values ​​are for adults (female or male), aged between 20 and 65 years.

How to interpret BMI scales?

After calculating your body mass index (BMI), you already know where you are.

Let’s find out how each of them is interpreted?

• Underweight (BMI less than 18.5): these values ​​may occur in people who have an eating disorder such as anorexia. Sometimes it is also common in the elderly, related to the fact that there is an eating disorder.
  When you are in this category, it is essential that you pay attention and that you talk to your doctor. Careful intervention may be necessary, with the aim of gaining weight and at the same time restoring some nutritional values ​​that may be out of the ordinary, such as in the case of anemia;
• Normal range (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9): these values ​​are considered normal values, associated with ideal weight and, of course, a lower probability of incidence of diseases and health complications. Therefore, these are the recommended values ​​for a balanced and healthy life;
• Pre-obesity and obesity (BMI over 25): these values ​​indicate excess weight above that which is considered ideal. In this case, you should consult your doctor so that you can understand if this is really the level in which you are inserted. If, according to the doctor, one of these is the level to which you can be associated, you must define an adequate plan for yourself, as well as the guidelines that will be given to you.

What consequences might be associated with a Body Mass Index above 25?

One body mass index greater than 25 may mean overweight or obesity. Consequently, it may also be associated with the appearance and development of some diseases such as:

• cardiovascular diseases (such as high blood pressure or myocardial infarction);
• diabetes;
• respiratory diseases (sleep apnea);
• dyslipidemia (associated with increased cholesterol);
• depression and anxiety (which may lead to a change in eating behavior and, of course, to low self-esteem);
• osteoarticular diseases (examples are low back pain and limited mobility).

What to do to fight obesity?

First, you should know that obesity occurs when the number of calories you eat is greater than you burn. That is, when this happens, the calories reside in the body in the form of fat mass and may affect your health and well-being.

Obesity, considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an epidemic, affects longevity as well as quality of life.

In order to prevent and combat obesity, you must:

• be aware of the food wheel and follow the proportions that are recommended for daily consumption;
• know the type of nutrients you eat in order to prioritize those that are less caloric;
• eat several times during the day, between every 3 to 4 hours;
• practice physical exercise or have regular physical activity;
• maintain a healthy weight, with the help of your doctor, nutritionist and/or healthcare professional fitness.