The problem of excess weight in our time is not just related to the beauty and aesthetics of the body, but also to human health directly. Most often, the idea of losing weight creeps in women, and they begin to lose weight on various diets, reaching lower figures on the scales. But how many people wonder what your reference weight is, at which you are not only beautiful, but also healthy. It was to control their weight that a formula was developed for calculating body mass index (BMI) for women.
What is a body mass index?
The body mass index for women is simple: we find out the ratio of your weight (in kilograms) to height (in meters) raised to the second degree, we get the body mass index. A direct relationship between the body mass index and various diseases associated with excess or deficiency of a person’s weight, such as diseases associated with high blood cholesterol, heart attacks, strokes, obesity, dystrophy, and even some oncological diseases, has been proven.
Varieties of BMI calculation formulas
The leading mathematician from Belgium, Adolf Ketle, first calculated the body mass index at the end of the 19th century, later on this calculation formula was structurally changed taking into account not only the person’s weight and height, but also his age, physique and gender. To date, the formula can be calculated not only by Kettle, but also by Brock, Breitman, Odder, Devine, Robinson and Hammond. The BMI calculation is based on the proportion of height in centimeters and weight in kilograms with various adjustment parameters to get your reference weight.
Brock's formula calculates ideal weight. It has gained the most popularity and is used in online calculators on the Internet. It is designed for people with growth from 155 cm to 185 cm. It is a formula: (growth (cm) - coefficient). It is necessary to take into account the growth of a person in the formula:
- from 155 cm to 165 cm we take in the formula a coefficient of 100;
- for a person from 166 cm to 175 cm tall, a coefficient of 105;
- for growth 176 cm or more, the coefficient is 110.
BMI indicators
According to the World Health Organization indicators, the following average BMI indicators were calculated:
- up to 18.5 and below - a lack of body weight, which can lead to serious health problems: anemia, anorexia, problems with childbearing function in women;
- from 19 to 25 - your weight is normal, in this range it is worth monitoring your weight, eating behavior should be directed to a healthy and proper diet;
- from 26 to 30 - excess body weight is observed , this is the stage of obesity, when BMI for women shows these figures, you should consult a doctor and begin to review your eating behavior;
- from 31 and above - you are faced with obesity, the numbers in this range tell us that the woman’s body is in danger and it is worth taking immediate measures to change them.
How to calculate the body mass index for women based on age, we will tell the table and a transcript to it:
BMI in women | Decryption |
From 18 to 30 years: 17 and less. 31 years and older: 17.5 and less | Weight deficit |
From 18 to 30 years: 18 - 19.6. From 31 years and older: 18 - 19.9 | Weight Loss Risk |
From 18 to 30 years: 19.7 - 22.9. From 31 years and older: 20.0 - 24 | Weight rate |
From 18 to 30 years: 23 - 27.5. From 31 years and older: 24 - 28.0 | Overweight |
From 18 to 30 years: 27.6 - 30. From 31 years and older: 28.1 - 31.1 | Obesity 1 degree |
From 18 to 30 years: 31 - 35.0. From 31 years and older: 31.2 - 36.0 | Obesity 2 degrees |
From 18 to 30 years old: 35.1 - 39.9. From 31 years and older: 36.1 - 41.0 | Obesity 3 degrees |
From 18 to 30 years old: 40.0 and more. 31 years and older: 41.1 and more | Obesity 4 degrees |
What determines the calculation of BMI
When calculating the index, it is worth considering not only weight and height, but also the proportions of adipose and muscle tissue in the body. And also it is considered for greater accuracy the type of physique, distinguish between thin-boned, normocostal and broad-type, chest measurement will help you understand yours.
To calculate BMI, it is worth considering not only the physique, but also the age of the woman. The woman’s body mass index, taking into account age, increases due to an increase in subcutaneous fat, which weighs much less than muscle mass, this should be taken into account when calculating the index. Without taking into account age, a woman can get an ideal indicator, while having excess weight. That is why with age it is worth considering the ratio of thighs and abdomen to control the appearance of central obesity.
Let's look at how to calculate body mass index (normal for a woman) based on age:
- From 18 to 25 years old BMI is 19.5:
- from 26 to 35 years old is 23.2;
- from 36 to 45 years old is 23.4;
- from 46 to 55 years old is 25.2;
- 56 and older is 27.3.
It is these indicators that make it clear to us that not only growth and weight norms help to find out about the state of our body and health, we also learn how to calculate the body mass index for women, taking into account their age.
Why is it worth calculating BMI?
Many have heard about calculating BMI for women, but few have wondered what all these formulas and calculations are for. Let's take a closer look at what the calculation of the body mass index for women will give us:
- BMI makes it possible to monitor the beauty and health of your body;
- to determine the dose of a drug by a doctor for various diseases of the body;
- body weight control.
The easiest way to monitor your body, knowing the fluctuations in your BMI. Do not blindly follow fashion trends and popular diets, you need to listen to your body: do you feel comfort or discomfort from your own body weight. Also, BMI will help your nutritionist choose the course of exercises and a diet aimed at getting rid of the problem of underweight or obesity.
Contraindications for calculating BMI
There are categories of women who should not use the BMI formula:
- women in position or nursing mothers;
- children under 18 years old;
- athletes whose muscle mass is greater.
Is BMI an accurate indicator?
It should be remembered that there is absolutely no exact calculation for the indicator of your BMI. If you see that the numbers are outside the normal range, then you should not be upset, but you should consult your doctor for advice. You do not need to trust empty numbers, focus on your health, in what weight you are comfortable. It is especially important for women to monitor their weight, despite the good BMI test scores. After all, it is the beautiful half of humanity that most often faces obesity in internal organs. To find out if you have hidden fat, measuring your waist will help, normally in women this figure should be no more than 88 cm, with large numbers, you should consult an endocrinologist to prevent the effects of obesity.
But it is worth remembering what obesity can lead to:
- to problems with arteries;
- to arthrosis;
- to thrombosis;
- to problems with pressure;
- to diabetes;
- to metabolic disorders in the body;
- to heart disease;
- oncological diseases of the stomach, liver, kidneys;
- to changes in the psychological and emotional background, prolonged depression.
What to avoid when calculating BMI
A common misconception among women is that the average BMI is worth considering, which is below the norm, in order to be similar to the model.
Some advise you not to be upset if your BMI is close to the upper limit of the average, this situation can lead to psychological and emotional disorders. In fact, a lot of things are not taken into account in the BMI calculation formula.
And the most important thing when calculating your body mass index is that you must adequately evaluate the results and take action.
Also, do not go to the other extreme and lose weight dramatically, bringing yourself to exhaustion, focusing on glossy magazines.
Definitely, for every woman, for the sake of her body and beauty, she should eat right and perform physical exercises to strengthen her body and control body fat.