BMI (Body Mass Index)

How do you calculate BMI?

To calculate your BMI without the help of our calculator, you use an internationally recognized mathematical formula. You divide your body weight (kg) by your height (meters) squared.

BMI – Example of a calculation:
A person who weighs 85 kilograms and is 185 centimeters tall divides 85 by 1.85 x 1.85 – that is 85 divided by 3.4225. That gives a BMI of 24.8.

BMI table – from underweight to obese

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established international guidelines for body weight. The following table shows how different BMI values ​​are interpreted, i.e. the limit values ​​for underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity. The limits apply only to adults and often need to be supplemented with other data to give a good picture of your health.

International body weight guidelines:

• Underweight – BMI below 18.5
• Normal weight – BMI 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight – BMI 25 to 29.9
• Adiposity – BMI over

Keep in mind that waist circumference is often an important complement to your BMI – a large waist circumference can be associated with health risks even if you have a normal BMI. In men, the risk of diseases increases when the waist circumference exceeds 94 centimeters, in women the corresponding value is 80 centimeters.

BMI is an indicator – not an absolute truth

BMI is a rough measure that doesn’t give a full picture of how your body weight affects your health. BMI does not take into account whether you are male or female, your age, your build, or your physical condition. The BMI also does not show how the fat is distributed or how high the percentage of fat or muscle is in your body weight.

Good to know:

• Belly fat is an important warning sign
  A lot of fat on the stomach is worse for your health than, for example, fat on the hips. A higher BMI, but with an even distribution of body weight, is associated with fewer health risks than a normal BMI with lots of abdominal fat.
• Exercise reduces the risk of disease
  A higher BMI in good physical condition is in many cases healthier than too little exercise at a normal weight.

BMI limits vary with age

For people over the age of 50, the BMI limits for overweight and obesity may be higher than for young adults. For people over the age of 70, a BMI of 25 to 30 may be the healthiest, while a BMI of under 22 may indicate malnutrition.

If you exercise a lot and weigh more because you’ve built muscle, the BMI scale can also be misleading.

Children’s BMI has different thresholds – underweight and obesity have lower thresholds than adults and also vary during growth, depending on age and body growth.

Health risks associated with high BMI

Being unhealthily overweight with too much body fat increases the risk of being affected by various diseases, for example type 2 diabetes , high blood pressure , increased blood lipid levels and cardiovascular diseases. Overweight and obesity also mean worsening conditions in the event of a severe infection. Anyone with a BMI over 40, for example, is classified in the risk group for an increased risk of corona infection with a possibly more severe course of the disease.

The risk of osteoarthritis and certain types of cancer also increases with a higher BMI. It can also make it harder to get pregnant – obesity can cause infertility problems in both women and men. The higher the BMI, the greater the health risks. A BMI over 40 means you are more than 10 times more likely to die prematurely.

Not all people with a higher BMI have an equally increased risk of disease. Waist circumference and genetic factors should also be considered, as should lifestyle and general health.

Health risks associated with low BMI

An unhealthy underweight with too little body fat and muscle mass can have serious consequences. A lower energy intake in relation to the needs often leads to abdominal pain and sleep problems , lowers the performance and makes you tired and listless.

Being underweight can sometimes lead to slower wound healing, infections and anemia. Blood pressure and resting heart rate can be unhealthily low , causing a drop in blood pressure and dizziness with a risk of falling, lack of energy, depression and low spirits, confusion, drowsiness and slow breathing. There is also a risk of fall injuries as a result of reduced muscle mass, especially in the elderly affected by malnutrition. In serious cases of malnutrition, for example in connection with eating disorders , the body temperature can drop below 35 degrees. This is called hypothermia.

This is how you can influence your BMI

In order to maintain a normal weight and have a healthy waist circumference and BMI, you usually have to prioritize a healthy diet and get enough physical activity. Here is some general advice that can provide guidance for maintaining your weight. At the same time, you should not forget that your BMI and body weight are influenced by many different factors, for example various medical conditions.

General advice for a healthy body weight:

• Balanced Diet in Adequate Amount
  The normal energy intake for an adult male is 2,500 to 3,000 kcal (kicalories) per day and for an adult female 2,000 to 2,500 kcal per day.
• Getting enough exercise
  A good guide to getting enough exercise is to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
• Regular sleep
  Sleep is important for resting the body and brain. Persistent sleep problems can, among other things, worsen your metabolism and make you more sensitive to stress and anxiety.

It is also advisable to avoid unnecessary stress, to drink alcohol in moderation and to refrain from smoking .

When to seek medical help

If you are an adult and have a BMI below 18, you should see a health care professional for help increasing your nutrient intake. If you have an unhealthily high BMI that limits you in everyday life or causes symptoms such as high blood pressure, you should also seek medical help.

Here’s how Med-Healths can help you

You can contact us at Med-Healths if you need help with an abnormal BMI. A doctor makes an individual assessment based on your symptoms and the findings of the examination. You may then receive prescribed treatment or be referred for further medical care. In the case of weight problems, we can also offer regular follow-up examinations.

Remember: If your child has any symptoms, your child must be present at the doctor’s appointment.