How to Calculate Body Mass Index? (BMI)
The main calculation method used in the classification, diagnosis and treatment of obesity is body mass index. With this method, the class of the person is determined and the necessary decisions are taken accordingly. There are treatment methods that must be followed in order for the person to pass into a healthy class. While diet and exercise come first, obesity surgery can be applied if necessary.
What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
Body mass index (BMI), also known as height and weight index, is used to approximate and quickly determine the body fat percentage. In this calculation method, the person’s weight and height in meters are formulated. With the result obtained from the index, it is determined how far the current weight of the person is from the ideal weight.
How to Calculate Body Mass Index?
The formulation used when calculating the body mass index is the person’s weight divided by the square of their height in meters. It is expressed as kg/m². The value obtained as a result of the calculation should be evaluated using the classification below. 30 kg/m² is the limit for entering the obese class.
- Results below 18.5 kg/m²: Below ideal weight
- Results between 18.5 kg/m² and 24.9 kg/m²: Ideal weight
- Results between 25 kg/m² and 29.9 kg/m²: Above ideal weight
- Results between 30 kg/m² and 39.9 kg/m²: Well above ideal weight (obese)
- Results over 40 kg/m²: Well above the ideal weight (morbid obese)
What Do the Body Mass Index Results Mean?
Body mass index is not a calculation method that gives detailed results. In a simple way, it helps to show the difference between the person’s weight and the ideal weight and to determine the risk group. It does not provide information about the body type, fat mass, muscle mass and other details of the person. For detailed evaluation, metabolic rate measurement and detailed body analysis should be done.
While waist circumference above 94 cm represents the risky group for men, the group above 102 cm is called high-risk. For women, 80 cm and 88 cm represent these thresholds, respectively.
Obesity Calculation with Detailed Body Mass Index
When calculating the detailed body mass index, age and gender factors are also taken into account. With this calculation, the difference between weight, body fat percentage, waist circumference and ideal values can be seen.
Determining where the stored fat in the body is concentrated is extremely important for the correct definition and treatment of obesity. The way the fat stored in the body is combined is known by two different names. These are apple type and pear type categories.
Fat accumulation is seen around the belly in people with apple type obesity. In people with pear type obesity, fat accumulation is seen in the hip region. Among these two types, the apple type is called riskier. Because the accumulation of fat around the belly has greater negative effects on heart diseases.
What is Considered Apart from the Body Mass Index?
When the human body starts to accumulate extra fat, the production of harmful hormones increases. Fat accumulated around the waist has a direct effect on many health problems. Not only body mass index, but also waist circumference gives important ideas about the severity of obesity.
In addition, the ratio between healthy muscle tissue and harmful adipose tissue is an important indicator in the field of obesity. The ideal range of body fat rate for an adult male is between 12% and 18%. In adult women, this rate is between 20% and 28%. If the body fat rate in men exceeds 25%, it is determined as the onset of obesity. In women, this value is 30%.
Height Weight Index Calculation for Children and Teens
Body mass index differs according to age and gender. High fat ratio seen at a young age can lead to serious health problems based on weight. Being too thin is just as problematic as being overweight in children.
Pediatricians work for height and weight follow-up in children. The Department of Pediatrics, referred to as the Department of Child Health and Diseases, uses percentile curves.
What Should Be Done After Learning the Body Mass Index?
After a person learns his body mass index, he should take measures to enter the ideal group. Being underweight is just as problematic as being overweight. In this respect, people who are under the ideal weight should reach their ideal weight by gaining weight with healthy foods. People who are above the ideal weight should lose weight with regular diet and exercise. People who are above the ideal weight may prefer weight loss surgeries together with obesity surgery. It is very important to pay attention to diet and exercise routines after obesity surgery. It is seen that many people regain the weight they lost after surgery over the years. In this regard, behavioral therapy is also an important part of treatment.
