What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

 The body mass index (BMI) method used to calculate the ideal weight can be calculated  by dividing the body weight in kilograms by the square of the body length in meters. This calculation is based on the body mass index ranges of the World Health Organization. The body mass index helps determine whether an individual is at a healthy weight.

If the individual does not have the ideal body mass index, he may face various diseases. For example, if a person is overweight, they are at risk  for diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes  . This also applies to people who are under their ideal weight. If the individual is extremely weak compared to his height, he may experience diseases such as osteoporosis, anemia and a low immune system.

How is Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculated?

Body mass index calculation is based on a specific formula. The body mass index formula is your weight divided by your height in square metres. The result gives information about whether you have a normal body mass index.

Sample; Assuming your height is 170 and your weight is 80, your body mass index will be 27.7. This means that you have an overweight body index. In other words, you are above the ideal weight. (80/1.70*1.70)

To give another example; Let’s say your height is 170 and your weight is 50. In this case, the body mass index will be 17.3. This indicates that you are under the ideal weight.

If we give one last example; Let’s say your height is 170 and your weight is 130. This shows that you are 3rd class obese, that is,  you enter the definition of morbidly obese  . In this case, you should go to a doctor without wasting time and start losing weight. Otherwise, you may experience health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and hypertension. An individual who is morbidly obese carries life-threatening risks. In this case, he should do what his doctor recommends and lose weight.

What Do Body Mass Index Values ​​Mean?

When calculating BMI, the ranges determined by the World Health Organization are taken as reference. Special calculations are also made for each age and gender. These calculations are more detailed and will give more accurate results. However, there are some accepted values. These;

• The result is that people with a body mass index between 0-18.5 have a lower weight compared to their height. Although this does not mean that you are unhealthy, it should not be forgotten that it carries a risk factor for some diseases in the coming years. It will be more beneficial for you to reach your ideal weight by gaining weight in a healthy way.
• It can be said that those with a body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9 have a normal weight for their height. It will be enough to maintain your weight in a healthy way.
• If your body mass index is between 25 and 29.9, you are underweight. This does not indicate that you are unhealthy, but it gives signals that you need to lose weight. If you pay attention to your diet and do sports, you can reach your ideal weight in a healthy way.
• The result is that those with a body mass index between 30 and 34 are overweight. It is very important to lose weight with a dietitian. Before you experience health problems, losing weight by paying attention to your lifestyle will help you a lot in the coming days.
• If the Bki calculation result is over 35, it means that you are obese. You need to see a doctor for help and lose weight. In order to get rid of this situation that threatens your health and restricts your life, you should exercise regularly and eat healthy. If your mass index is over 35, hurry to consult a dietitian.
• If your body mass index is over 40, it indicates that you are extremely obese. This situation causes serious health problems. You should immediately consult a doctor and start losing weight.

What should be the Ideal Body Mass Index for Age?

Age – weight index provides us with more accurate information. How old we are and our gender have a big impact on our weight. There is no difference as a formula between calculating body mass index in children and calculating body mass index in the elderly. The same formula is used for all age groups. So, what should the body mass index be according to age ranges?

• Ideal body mass index for the 19-24 age group; 19-24 BMI.
• Ideal body mass index for the 25-34 age group; 20-25 BMI.
• Ideal body mass index for the 35-44 age group; 21-26 BMI.
• Ideal body mass index for the 45-54 age group; 22-27 BMI.
• Ideal body mass index for the 55-64 age group; 23-28 BMI
• Ideal body mass index for 65 years and older; 24-29 BMI.

While losing weight  is easier for young people, it becomes more difficult to lose weight as the metabolism slows down as age increases. With the advancing age, it is important for people to pay attention to the weight they gain and the fat around the waist. Because in addition to the health problems found in elderly people, being overweight can create some complications.

Of course, your age is of great importance when calculating, but the body mass index does not give you precise information. Because factors such as body type, fat and muscle are not taken into account in the body mass index. Therefore, specialists also order other tests to examine their patients in more detail. Thus, more accurate results are obtained for a patient with obesity problem.

How is Obesity Classification Made in Body Mass Index Calculation?

Obesity, in the most basic way; It is the accumulation of excess fat in the body to the extent that it impairs health. When we look at the body mass index results, over 30 is called obese, over 40 as morbidly obese and over 50 as super obese. Obesity poses a danger to all age groups. This ailment, which we frequently encounter today with the health problems it brings, is increasing every year. Obesity has become a problem for the whole world, especially in the United States, due to the change in our diet and the reduction of physical activities in living conditions.

Even though people’s estimations are that there are not many obese individuals in our country, the prevalence of obesity in Turkey is; 20.5% in men, 41.0% in women and 30.0% in total. The body mass index  calculation formula is made by dividing your weight by the square meter of your height. In this case, the obese calculation is as follows;

• 30.0 – 34.9; Obese (1st Class)

This situation increases your risk of experiencing health problems. You should start losing weight by changing your eating habits.

• 35-40; Severely Obese (Class 2)

It is very important to go to a dietitian and lose weight under his control. This situation carries high health risks for you.

• 40 and above; Morbid Obese (Class 3)

You should go to the doctor without waiting any longer and lose weight. The health problems that may be experienced by individuals in the morbidly obese class carry life-threatening risks.

There are some health problems brought by obesity. These can be listed as follows;

• insulin resistance,
• Asthma,
• fatty liver,
• cardiovascular occlusion,
• Hypertension,
• type 2 diabetes,
• Sleep apnea,
• Paralysis,
• Gallbladder diseases,
• Calcification,
• The risk of complications in operations,
• skin infections,
• respiratory diseases,
• pregnancy complications,
• Menstrual irregularities.

Obesity also causes psychological problems. Some of them can be listed as follows;

• Low self esteem,
• anxiety disorders,
• Depression,
• Sleeping disorders,
• personality disorders