Normal body mass index. Body mass index: symptoms, types, causes, diagnostic methods

There is hardly a person who would not care about his appearance. Each of us wants to look attractive - to have ideal body proportions, maybe even become a new standard of beauty. But, as you know, we are all different - in height, age, configuration.

In many ways, a person’s self-awareness is affected by his weight. Accordingly, the higher it is, the more uncomfortable we feel. It is unlikely that there is a person who refuses to calculate the ideal weight for him. As mentioned earlier, we are all different, which means that body weight will be individual.

Ways to calculate ideal weight

We are not alike, and each has its own beauty. And in the pursuit of an ideal figure, it would not hurt to know the exact weight that you need to strive for. So it will be easier to control the path traveled and the remaining path to your standard.

When calculating your ideal weight, remember that you should first of all feel comfortable with these kilograms. Because someone is crazy about protruding collarbones, while others, on the contrary, prefer curvaceous forms.

Despite all individual preferences, doctors have set a peculiar framework for determining the shortage or excess of kilograms. To date, a great many online calculators and various tables have been developed and compiled. Many experts are studying the question of how to calculate weight by height and age, gender. But they did not come to a consensus.

The most famous calculation methods:

By Quetelet
By Brock.
According to Egorov-Levitsky.
According to Lorenz.

You can independently calculate weight by height and age using any of the methods. And having learned the treasured figure, it will be possible to begin the path to your standard.

Calculation of BMI by Adolf Quetelet

It is worth immediately warning that this method will not calculate the ideal weight. According to Quetelet, based on your current weight and height, you need to calculate After, focusing on the result and the developed table, get information about the need to gain weight or lose weight.

Egorov-Levitsky table

When compiling, the developers took into account all the most important factors that form weight. They indicated only the maximum limit, but did not specify the minimum. And, in fact, it is not necessary. After all, a person is mainly concerned about excess kilograms, and not their lack.

How to achieve your ideal weight

If, after you have calculated the weight by age, height and gender, you find that there are a couple of extra pounds, then it's time to think about eliminating them.

Trying to maintain an ideal body weight, you are doing a huge service to your body. In many developed countries, overweight people make up fifty percent of the total population. And every year their number increases exponentially. This is an additional, unnecessary burden on the human body. It affects the joints and internal organs to a greater extent. But, nevertheless, it is worth noting that thinness also does not benefit. The golden mean in the matter of weight is what any person needs.

Once you've made the decision to lose weight, don't try to find a miracle-working fast diet. Such does not exist. It will not bring benefits, but it is quite capable of weakening the body. It is best to lose weight gradually. After all, in fact, getting rid of excess weight is not difficult, difficulties appear when trying to maintain it.

A weight loss method is considered safe, in which you lose from five hundred grams to one kilogram per week. If the weight goes off faster, then you burn not only fat, but also muscle fibers. And this is absolutely unacceptable. Since with well-developed muscles it is easier to maintain optimal weight.

Steps to ideal weight:

Drink a glass of clean drinking water on an empty stomach, and fifteen minutes before the start of any meal.
Don't skip breakfast. And no, you shouldn't skip any meal. After all, this way you will get hungry and eat even more next time. And, as you know, it is better to eat many times, but a little bit.
Try to reduce your fat intake.
Come to the store with a prepared shopping list. So you will not be tempted to grab something unnecessary and harmful.
Chew food thoroughly. Thus, you not only do not choke, but also get enough faster. When eating slowly, the feeling of hunger disappears more quickly.
If you feel like you haven't eaten enough and need a refill, then the first thing you need to do is take your time. Sit for five minutes. And then think about whether the feeling of hunger is really so strong.
Eat strictly in the kitchen. Never eat while standing or walking.
Add a fresh fruit or vegetable to every meal.
Avoid white bread.
Simmer and bake. Try not to fry your food.
Allow yourself sweetness no more than once a week.
Give up fast food.
The optimal number of meals per day is five.
Cook your own meals more often. So you will control how it is processed and calories.

Not to be confused with Mass Index (technical analysis).

Body mass index(English) body mass index (BMI), BMI) is a value that allows you to assess the degree of correspondence between a person’s mass and his height, and thereby indirectly assess whether the mass is insufficient, normal or excessive. It is important in determining the indications for the need for treatment.

Body mass index is calculated by the formula:

m- body weight in kilograms
h- height in meters,

and is measured in kg/m².

For example, a person's weight = 60 kg, height = 170 cm. Therefore, the body mass index in this case is:

BMI = 60: (1.70 × 1.70) = 20.7

The body mass index was developed by the Belgian sociologist and statistician Adolphe Quetelet in 1869.

Interpretation of BMI values

The body mass index should be used with caution, only for an approximate assessment - for example, an attempt to evaluate the physique of professional athletes with it may give an incorrect result (the high value of the index in this case is due to developed muscles). Therefore, for a more accurate assessment of the degree of fat accumulation, along with the body mass index, it is also advisable to determine the indices of central obesity.

Taking into account the shortcomings of the method for determining the body mass index, the body volume index was developed.

According to an Israeli study, the ideal body mass index for men is 25-27. The average life expectancy of men with this BMI was maximum.

In addition, a number of indices can be used to determine normal body weight:

Broca's index is used with a height of 155-170 cm. The normal body weight in this case is (height [cm] - 100) ± 10%.
Breitman index. Normal body weight is calculated by the formula - height [cm] 0.7 - 50 kg.
Bernhard index. Ideal body weight is calculated by the formula - height [cm] chest circumference [cm] / 240.
Davenport index. The mass of a person [g] is divided by the height [cm] squared. Exceeding the indicator above 3.0 indicates the presence of obesity (obviously, this is the same BMI, only divided by 10).
Oder index. Normal body weight is equal to the distance from the crown to the symphysis [cm] 2 - 100.
Noorden index. Normal weight is height [cm] 420/1000.
Taton index. Normal body weight \u003d height - (100 + (height - 100) / 20)

In clinical practice, body mass index is most commonly used to assess body weight.

In addition to height-weight indicators, the method for determining the thickness of the skin fold proposed by Korovin can be used. According to this technique, the thickness of the skin fold is determined at the level of the 3rd rib (normally 1.0 - 1.5 cm) and parasagittally at the level of the navel (on the side of the rectus abdominis muscle, normally 1.5 - 2.0 cm).

Disadvantages and limitations

The interpretation of BMI indicators recommended by WHO does not take into account the sex and age of the person. Although the statistics of many countries show that BMI in men is higher than in women. In addition, BMI is higher in middle-aged people than in young and old people. For example, below are statistics on anthropometric data on BMI in the United States, compiled by the US Department of Health:

Body mass index for men and women aged 20 and over, and percentage distribution by sex and age: USA, 2007-2010. Source: Antropometric Reference Data for Children and Adults: United States from the US Department of Health
Age	Percentage distribution of the population and BMI values at given percentiles
	5 %	10 %	15 %	25 %	50 %	75 %	85 %	90 %	95 %
	BMI in men, kg/m
	20.7	22.2	23.2	24.7	27.8	31.5	33.9	35.8	39.2
20-29 years old	19.4	20.7	21.4	22.9	25.6	29.9	32.3	33.8	36.5
30-39 years old	21.0	22.4	23.3	24.9	28.1	32.0	34.1	36.2	40.5
40-49 years old	21.2	22.9	24.0	25.4	28.2	31.7	34.4	36.1	39.6
50-59 years old	21.5	22.9	23.9	25.5	28.2	32.0	34.5	37.1	39.9
60-69 years old	21.3	22.7	23.8	25.3	28.8	32.5	34.7	37.0	40.0
70-79 years old	21.4	22.9	23.8	25.6	28.3	31.3	33.5	35.4	37.8
80 years and above	20.7	21.8	22.8	24.4	27.0	29.6	31.3	32.7	34.5
Age	BMI in women, kg/m
20 years to 80+ (total average)	19.5	20.7	21.7	23.3	27.3	32.5	36.1	38.2	42.0
20-29 years old	18.8	19.9	20.6	21.7	25.3	31.5	36.0	38.0	43.9
30-39 years old	19.4	20.6	21.6	23.4	27.2	32.8	36.0	38.1	41.6
40-49 years old	19.3	20.6	21.7	23.3	27.3	32.4	36.2	38.1	43.0
50-59 years old	19.7	21.3	22.1	24.0	28.3	33.5	36.4	39.3	41.8
60-69 years old	20.7	21.6	23.0	24.8	28.8	33.5	36.6	38.5	41.1
70-79 years old	20.1	21.6	22.7	24.7	28.6	33.4	36.3	38.7	42.1
80 years and above	19.3	20.7	22.0	23.1	26.3	29.7	31.6	32.5	35.2

In Russia, too, if we apply the BMI indicators recommended by WHO, it turns out that more than half of women and men over 30 years old in Russia are overweight, and about a third are obese, some are underweight.

By definition from dictionaries, the word “norm” is often understood as “average value”, but, as can be seen from the statistics above, the so-called “normal” BMI values, according to WHO criteria, do not correspond to the standard normal distribution of statistical values of BMI among the population. For example, a woman whose BMI is exactly in the middle of the statistical values among the population of her country will be considered "overweight" in most countries of the world. This discrepancy arose because the recommended BMI indicators were established by WHO not on the basis of statistical averages, but on the basis of the recommendations of the doctors of this organization.

The definition of “normal BMI” has changed several times over the past 30 years in many countries, so until 1998 in the United States a normal BMI of up to 27.8 kg / m² was considered, but after 1998 the standards were changed, and the BMI recommended by doctors began to end at 25 kg / m² . Because of this change in standards, approximately 29 million more Americans have come to be considered overweight and obese.

Correlation between BMI and diseases

An increase in BMI is positively correlated with an increase in the likelihood of a malignant tumor, in particular adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, and possibly adenocarcinoma of the cardia. A positive correlation between BMI and GERD is also known.

Researchers from the USA have calculated the value of BMI (body mass index), which guarantees a longer life expectancy. In 1995, scientists selected 400,000 Americans between 50 and 71 years old. For all subjects, the main factors that increase the risk of death were checked: age, alcohol consumption, marital status, education level, smoking, race, and individual BMI was also determined. It turned out that those with a BMI close to 26 had a minimal risk of dying. By 2009, more than a quarter - 112,000 people - from this sample had died. The researchers concluded that the generally accepted scheme for categorizing patients by BMI is not accurate enough. A more accurate prognosis and appointments should be made based on the personal data of each patient, his lifestyle and habits.

BMI and conscription

In Russia, if at the time of the call, the BMI of a young person is higher or lower than the established norms, then he is given a one-time delay for 6 months. During this time, he must undergo an examination at the clinic, where his weight and health are monitored. If serious illnesses and deviations in health are not detected, and also if the weight does not change, then the young man is drafted into the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. And, for example, in Taiwan, a young person is commissioned, and it doesn’t matter whether it was really obesity or muscle mass, which once again confirms the shortcomings of BMI, which were mentioned above.

It is necessary for every modern person to know how to calculate body weight and draw the right conclusions about the state of the indices, which show whether you have obesity or a predisposition to this disease. We offer you basic methods on how to calculate your body weight using simple formulas and tables.

Human body weight and its excess

Human body weight is the most important indicator of the state of our health, which determines whether nutrition meets the needs of the body. Distinguish between normal, overweight or underweight.

Naturally, obesity necessarily implies the presence of excess body weight, formed due to the accumulation of fat.

However, the concept of excess body weight is not synonymous with obesity and has an independent meaning. So, many people have a slight excess of body weight, not reaching the degree of illness, that is, obesity. In addition, excess body weight is due to developed muscles (in athletes or people engaged in heavy physical labor) or fluid retention in the body in a number of diseases.

In the same way, the lack of body weight does not always reach the degree of the disease - protein-energy deficiency. Many methods have been developed to control body weight. Usually they are aimed at comparing height and body weight and comparing the result with normative indicators calculated on the basis of various formulas or given in special tables. Earlier in domestic medicine, body weight exceeding the norm for a given adult by 5-14% was called excessive, and exceeding the norm by 15% or more indicated obesity as a disease. At the same time, in foreign medical practice, excess body weight was considered obesity, reaching 20% or more compared to the norms adopted in tables or obtained by calculation formulas. As a result, the prevalence of obesity in our country was higher than in other countries.

Brock's formula

Until now, Broca's formula, proposed by the French surgeon and anatomist Paul Broca, is still popular. According to this formula, the following indicators of the norm are obtained.

Normal body weight

For men of average build:

with growth up to 165 cm, the norm of body weight in kilograms is equal to growth in centimeters minus 100;
with a height of 166-175 cm - minus 105;
with a height of 175 cm or more - minus 110.

Obesity or obesity: methods for assessing body weight

In women of appropriate height and build, the proper body weight should be approximately 5% less than that of men.

A simplified version of the calculation is also proposed:

for women under the age of 35, normal body weight should be equal to height in centimeters minus 110;
over 35 years old - height in centimeters minus 100.

In people with a narrow chest (asthenic physique), the data obtained are reduced by 5%, and in people with a wide chest (hypersthenic physique), they increase by 5%.

I note that the formula “height in centimeters minus 100”, popular due to its simplicity, used for people of any height, distorts Brock's indicator.

How to determine BMI: body mass index calculation

Currently, a very informative indicator is used in international practice - the calculation of body mass index (BMI), also called the Quetelet index. In 1997 and 2000 WHO recommended that body weight be assessed based on BMI, with which Russian doctors also agreed. However, in the report "Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of primary arterial hypertension in the Russian Federation" (2000), experts from the Scientific Society for the Study of Arterial Hypertension, the All-Russian Scientific Society of Cardiology and the Interdepartmental Council on Cardiovascular Diseases made an amendment: as the lower limit of BMI, characterizing normal body weight, it is proposed to consider 20 kg / m 2 instead of the WHO recommended indicator of 18.5 kg / m 2 shown in the table. The reason for this proposal is simple: a number of studies have found that among people with low BMI values (less than 19-20 kg / m 2), there is a higher mortality not only from cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but also from cardiovascular diseases.

Before determining the BMI, the available body weight in kilograms is divided by the height in meters squared:

BMI = body weight (in kilograms) / (height in 2 meters).

Body mass index table

The body mass index table allows you to assess your health and anticipate possible risks of developing chronic diseases. It gives a description of the indicators of body mass index (BMI). We warn you that the assessment of body mass index should be carried out by a qualified doctor, taking into account your individual characteristics.

BMI, kg / m 2	Characteristic
Less than 20 (18.5)*	Underweight
20 (18,5) - 24,9	normal body weight
	Overweight
	Obesity 1st degree (mild)
	Obesity 2nd degree (moderate)
40 or more	Obesity 3rd degree (severe)

I will demonstrate the application of the formula on a specific example. Suppose your height is 165 cm and your weight is 67 kilograms.

Convert height from centimeters to meters - 1.65 m.
Square 1.65 m - it will be 2.72.
Now 67 (weight) divided by 2.72. Your result is 25.7 kg / m 2, which corresponds to the upper limit of the norm.

You can not calculate BMI individually, but use a special table developed by D. G. Bessenen in 2001.

Please note that it has a number of shortcomings: there are no BMI values below 19 kg / m2, and BMI characterizing different degrees of obesity are given in abbreviated form in the table.

Table - Body mass indices in accordance with height and body weight:

Body mass index

Body weight, kg (rounded)

Waist hip index

In recent years, it has been found that the risk of developing a number of diseases depends not only on the degree and duration of obesity, but also on the nature of the distribution of fat in the body.

Depending on the localization of fatty deposits, there are:

abdominal obesity (it is also called visceral, android, "upper", like "apple", according to the male type) - excess fat is located mainly on the abdomen and in the upper body. This type of obesity is more common among men;
gluteofemoral obesity (it is also called gluteofemoral, gynoid, “lower”, like “pear”, according to the female type) - excess fat is located mainly on the hips, buttocks and in the lower body, which is typical for women.

In abdominal obesity, even minimal excess body weight increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and death from them. The likelihood of coronary disease increases, as well as its three main risk factors: arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and lipid metabolism disorders (increased blood cholesterol and other indicators). The combination of these diseases and conditions is called the metabolic syndrome. Its treatment, including with the help of diet therapy, is a task of paramount importance. Moreover, treatment is indicated not only for diagnosed abdominal obesity, but also for a significant excess of body weight (BMI - 27-29.9 kg / m2), if fat is deposited mainly in the upper body.

Waist hip index- this is the ratio of the circumference of the waist (measured above the navel) to the largest circumference of the hips (measured at the level of the buttocks).

On the contrary, gluteofemoral obesity is not associated with a pronounced additional risk and threatens with minimal medical consequences. His treatment is mainly cosmetic. I note that we are talking about obesity without concomitant diseases, especially without type 2 diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension.

To determine the type of obesity, it is necessary to determine the waist / hip index (WHI).

Only waist circumference can be measured. It is recognized that the risk of developing metabolic syndrome:

moderately increases with a waist circumference of 80 cm or more - in women, 90 cm or more - in men;
increases sharply with a waist circumference of 88 cm or more - in women, 102 cm or more - in men.

Modern data require new approaches to assessing body weight. In particular, underweight has been found to be a risk factor for increased mortality from certain noncommunicable diseases. The concept of adipose tissue as metabolically inert, being exclusively an energy depot, has also changed. It has now been established that adipose tissue is a diffuse endocrine gland that produces a number of hormones and biologically active substances.

Table - Biologically active substances secreted by adipose tissue:

Substance groups	Substance names
Hormones	Testosterone, leptin, estrone, angiotensinogen
Cytokines	Tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6
Proteins (proteins)	Acetylation-stimulating protein Plasminogen activator-1 inhibitor Complement, adiponectin Transforming growth factor beta
Regulators	Lipoprotein lipase
lipoprotein	Hormone sensitive lipase
metabolism	cholesterol ester transport protein
Free polyunsaturated fatty acids	Prostaglandins

Leptin and obesity

Separately, it is worth dwelling on leptin, discovered in 1995, a hormone produced by fat cells. Its blood level reflects the energy reserves of adipose tissue, affects appetite, energy intake and expenditure, and changes the metabolism of fats and glucose. Leptin and obesity are closely related: this substance slows down the metabolism, but when deficient, it can cause a malfunction in the body.

According to the obtained scientific data, only excess body weight, which has not reached the degree of obesity, plays a positive role in the normal functioning of the body.

The lack of fat reserves and leptin deficiency can impair reproductive function in women with severely reduced body weight, for example, after therapeutic fasting or anorexia nervosa, which is often accompanied by amenorrhea. No need to think that science is trying to rehabilitate obesity.

Thus, women with preserved menstrual function and overweight have a lower likelihood of developing breast cancer, bone resorption (destruction of bone tissue) and postmenopausal osteoporosis. The negative impact of excess body weight (without obesity) on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as on the level of blood pressure in apparently healthy men and women, has not been established. Foreign studies conducted by insurance companies stated the lowest mortality rate among people whose body weight exceeded the norm by 10%.

Like many other nuts, the fruits of Juglans regia (walnut) are widely used in cooking and medicine. Of course, because of the high calorie content ...

The ideal weight in the understanding of people is a different value. For one person, the optimal body weight is the ribs protruding through the clothes, for another - the exact opposite. Everyone has their own idea of a dream figure. But the imagined ideal weight may not match reality. Imagine yourself as a person with an ideal figure, you can be very wrong.

Both excess weight and its deficiency lead to serious violations. The lack of body weight entails dystrophy, which, in turn, affects the internal organs and is negatively associated with their work. Excess body weight negatively affects the blood supply to all organs. Due to the development of arterial atherosclerosis, the supply of oxygen to organs and tissues decreases, and the risk of developing various diseases increases.

To determine what weight is optimal for a particular person, there are many formulas. They determine the body mass index (BMI).

Ideal weight calculation options

For a long time, people have been trying to find a formula for calculating the ideal weight. It should show the optimal weight of a person. At the same time, the measurement should be simple and fast.

This calculation is most often used: 100 or 110 (for women) is subtracted from height in centimeters. The resulting figure is a subjective indicator and does not take into account either the type of physique, or age, or other features of the body.

How to Calculate Broca's Body Mass Index

Broca's BMI was developed in the 19th century. The formula was created by a doctor from France Paul Broca, it is suitable for people with a height of 1.55 to 2 m. The index takes into account 2 body types of a person. Here we can talk about the individual characteristics of a person. Everyone's body composition is different, the formula takes this factor into account. There is also a drawback: the Broca index does not show the degree of obesity.

The formula at the beginning of the study suggests choosing 2 body types: asthenic or muscular. Then, according to the formula IB \u003d height (in centimeters) - 100 - 5, for the muscular type, IB \u003d human height (in centimeters) - 100 - 10, for the asthenic type - we get the body mass index. The calculation is quite simple and takes into account only one variable - height.

For more accurate data, it is better to use a different formula.

BMI according to Quetelet

The question of how to calculate the body mass index arose in the 19th century from the Belgian scientist Adolf Quetelet. To understand what weight should be ideal for a particular person, he developed a special formula. How to calculate body mass index? Very simple.

BMI \u003d weight / height 2.

This formula is used by all doctors to determine the normal weight range for a particular person.

The body mass index for women and men is determined similarly. The formula does not take into account either gender or age-related changes.

Calculation using the BMI formula

It can be seen that the resulting index in an adult will depend only on body weight. For example, you can calculate the BMI of an imaginary person. His height is 1.6 m, weight - 60 kg. It turns out 1.6 * 1.6 \u003d 2.56, BMI \u003d 60 / 2.56 \u003d 23.43.

The resulting coefficient shows that the weight of this person is within the normal range. The formula can be easily applied to everyone.

BMI interpretation

The result is deciphered using a special scale. It shows the intervals of the coefficients.

An indicator less than 18.49 means a lack of mass. If the resulting coefficient is less than 16, this is a critical weight deficit. The result obtained indicates possible violations in the body.

From 18.5 to 25 - the indicator is within the normal range. For most people, this is the optimal weight.

From 25 to 30 - there is an excess of weight. For men, 25-27 is considered the norm.

From 30 to 35 - 1st degree of obesity. This indicator can be both in athletes and in overweight people.

From 35 to 40 - 2nd degree of obesity. There is overweight. Or the person whose BMI was calculated is an athlete with very developed muscles (bodybuilder).

From 40 and more - obesity of the 3rd degree. Significantly overweight or muscular athlete.

Whatever the result, it must be remembered that the formula was created for mass research. The result of the calculations is the body mass index. Everyone can calculate it (men or women will do it, it doesn’t matter). But the result obtained does not reflect the full picture.

If we take athletes as a standard and determine their body mass index (calculate), men will be surprised, because the results will show different degrees of obesity. The body weight of the athlete will be rather big. All of them have developed muscles, which, with smaller volumes (compared to fat), weigh much more.

BMI results

The coefficient does not show the composition of the human body, but reflects only the general picture. How to calculate the body mass index to take into account the composition of the human body? It is necessary to use other research methods.

BMI can be the same in completely different people, of different sex and age. They may have a different amount of fat and muscle from each other, while the indicators will be the same.

The body mass index (for women it is calculated in the same way as for men) does not take into account age-related changes, body type and body composition.

Other research methods

To determine the body mass index more accurately, the formula should be more detailed and reflect all possible variables, primarily gender.

At home, in addition to BMI, you can estimate the size of the skin-fat fold in the abdomen. To do this, you need to pinch it with two fingers in the navel area. Thickness is measured with a special tool - a caliper. If not, then the thickness of the fold can be estimated visually. Normally, it should be about 2 cm. A complete examination with a caliper is carried out in 3-5 folds. The results are evaluated using a special formula.

Any measurement assumes the presence of an error. It is in all existing formulas, because they are created for mass use.

Psychological assessment of BMI

All experts recommend not using different indices to determine weight and appearance. If the reflection in the mirror pleases, and the measurements showed a deviation from the norm, then this will adversely affect mental health. Possible consequences are low self-esteem, depression, self-doubt.

It is worth assessing your lifestyle yourself. If the daily diet includes healthy foods, and physical activity is not in last place, then your own BMI is the optimal value.

One should always use an objective assessment when interpreting various tests that are designed to standardize all people.

The same number on the scale can have different meanings. 80 kg with a height of 190 cm is the norm. But the same 80 kg at 160 cm is already too much, especially for a woman. So it’s not enough to focus on kilograms alone. Ideally, you need to take into account the height, gender, age and lifestyle of a person. In this regard, to determine the norm and pathologies, they use such a concept as BMI.

What it is

BMI is short for body mass index. In English, it sounds like the Body Mass Index (BMI). This is a parameter that reflects the degree of correspondence between the weight and height of a person. It allows you to objectively assess whether he has extra pounds, whether he suffers from exhaustion, or whether everything is normal with him. Most often used in two cases.

Secondly, BMI calculation is necessary in order to control your figure, correct it and, in case of deviation from the norm, take appropriate measures.

Common Formula

Now the BMI formula is officially used, developed back in the middle of the 19th century by Adolf Quetelet, a sociologist and statistician from Belgium. It takes into account only two parameters - height and weight, which does not make it ideal for identifying extra or missing kilograms to the norm. Nevertheless, it has been used in medicine for many decades.

The formula for calculating Quetelet looks like this:

m (weight) = 80 kg;
h (height) = 1.6 m;
we square the meters: 1.6 x 1.6 \u003d 2.56;
I \u003d 80 / 2.56 \u003d 31.25.

This completes the calculation of the body mass index: it is 31.25. We remember this figure and compare it with normal indicators, according to the table below.

Norm and deviations

The WHO official website has a special table that shows both the BMI norm and deviations. We are looking for which category we fell into with our I \u003d 31.25.

We didn’t get into the normal body mass index, and the table shows not just extra pounds, but first degree obesity (an overview of obesity classifications can be found).

So it’s not at all difficult to calculate BMI and compare the data obtained with the norm. The problem is that the formula is already outdated, and the table from WHO does not reflect all the factors. And this means that the results may not be entirely correct.

For adults

Since weight is influenced by gender and age factors, tables have appeared according to which you can see the norm and deviations from it separately for women and for men, and even taking into account age. According to experts, here the data is more accurate and correct.

For men according to age

For women according to age

Depending only on gender

Depending only on age

Anything below normal is underweight. So, you need to urgently gain the missing kilograms. If the result exceeds the parameter indicated in the table by 5 units, you are overweight. If the difference is more than 5, you should seek qualified help, as we are talking about, most likely.

For children

To calculate BMI for children, you will need the same formula, but the table, accordingly, will be different. In a child, metabolic processes proceed much faster, and energy costs are several times higher than in adults. Therefore, it is imperative to use other standards.

For boys

For girls

Jumps from 7 to 9 years old are explained by the preparation of the body for adolescence and puberty.

Regular determination of BMI in a child allows parents to control his weight and timely prevent both exhaustion and the appearance of extra pounds (read about the features of childhood obesity).

Ideal weight calculation

You can find out your ideal body weight using various formulas that use different parameters for calculations.

General designation (R - height):

Borngart index: R in centimeters x (multiply) by chest circumference in centimeters / (divide) by 240;
Breitman index: R in centimeters x 0.7 - 50 kg;
Brock-Brukst index: for women R in centimeters - 100 - (R in centimeters - 100) / 10; for men, R in centimeters - 100 - (R in centimeters - 100) / 20;
Davenport index: weight in grams / R in centimeters squared;
Korovin index: you need to measure the thickness of the skin fold near the 3rd rib (normal 1-1.5 cm) and at the level of the navel (normal 1.5-2 cm);
Noorden index: R in centimeters x 420/1000;
Tatonya index: R in centimeters - (100 + (R in centimeters - 100) / 20).

There is also a small addition to the Brock-Bruksta formula: after the result obtained, you need to measure the volume of the wrist, and if it is less than 15 cm, subtract 10% from the ideal weight; at 15–18 cm we do not change anything, if more than 18, we increase the ideal weight obtained by the formula by 10%.

Using any formula, calculating your ideal body weight is easy. The main thing is to draw objective conclusions after comparing the result with real numbers. If the difference in both directions (more/less) is more than 5 kg, then there are problems that it is better to start solving immediately.

Important note!

We draw your attention to the fact that in different sources, data on the norm and deviations of BMI for men, women and children, taking into account age, can differ quite noticeably, with the exception of the general table recommended by WHO. The fact is that the parameters are calculated according to different methods and formulas - hence the difference arises within the unit. In this regard, all parents are advised to use the data for children only indicatively and, in case of doubt, be sure to consult a pediatrician without taking any independent measures.