Formula for calculating body mass index. Body mass index calculator based on age

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 focusing on kilograms alone is not enough. Ideally, a person's height, gender, age and lifestyle should be taken into account. In this regard, to determine the norm and pathologies, they use such a concept as BMI.

What it is

BMI is an abbreviation for body mass index. In English it sounds like Body Mass Index (BMI). This is a parameter that reflects the degree to which a person’s weight and height correspond. Allows you to objectively assess whether he has extra pounds, whether he suffers from exhaustion, or whether everything is normal. Most often used in two cases.

Secondly, calculating BMI is necessary in order to control your figure, correct it and, if it deviates from the norm, take appropriate measures.

Generally accepted formula

Now the BMI formula is officially used, developed in the middle of the 19th century by Adolphe 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 excess or missing kilograms. And yet, for many decades it has been used in medicine.

The Quetelet calculation formula looks like this:

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

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

Norm and deviations

On the official WHO website there is a special table that shows both the BMI norm and deviations. Using it, we look for which category we fell into with our I = 31.25.

We did not fall into the normal body mass index, and the table no longer shows just extra pounds, but class I obesity (an overview of obesity classifications can be found).

So calculating BMI and comparing the data obtained with the norm is not at all difficult. The problem is that the formula is already outdated, and the WHO table does not reflect all factors. This means that the results may not be entirely correct.

For adults

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

For men based on age

For women, taking into account age

Depends only on gender

Depends only on age

Anything below normal is underweight. This means that you urgently need to 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, since we are most likely talking about.

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

The jumps from 7 to 9 years are explained by the body’s preparation for adolescence and puberty.

Regular determination of a child’s BMI allows parents to monitor his weight and promptly 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):

Bornhart index: R in centimeters x (multiply) by chest circumference in centimeters / (divide) by 240;
Breitman index: R in centimeters x 0.7 - 50 kg;
Broca–Bruksht 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 / 1,000;
Tatonya index: R in centimeters - (100 + (R in centimeters - 100) / 20).

There is also a small addition to the Broca-Bruckst 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 according to 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 results obtained with real numbers. If the difference in both directions (more/less) is more than 5 kg, then there are problems that are 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, may differ quite significantly, with the exception of the general table recommended by WHO. The fact is that the parameters are calculated using different methods and formulas - hence the difference within one unit arises. In this regard, all parents are recommended to use the data for children only as a guide and, in case of doubt, be sure to consult a pediatrician without taking any independent measures.

Body mass index is a calculated estimate that can be used to determine whether a person’s height corresponds to his weight. Based on the calculation results, a rough estimate of body weight is given, whether it is normal, insufficient or excessive.

BMI was developed by statistician and sociologist Adolphe Quetelet in the 19th century.

To calculate body mass index, the following formula is used: body weight in kg is divided by height in meters raised to the second power.

For example, for a person tall 180 cm and weight 85 kg BMI calculation is as follows: (85/(1.8x1.8))=26

The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed the following classification of BMI values:

below 18.5- there is a shortage of mass. Typically, weight deficiency is associated with chronic diseases, eating disorders, nervous ailments, as well as anorexia;
from 18.5 to 25- normal weight. Normal body weight characterizes the healthy weight necessary for the full functioning of the body;
from 25 to 30– excess body weight. Excess body weight increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and increases the load on all organs. With this BMI indicator, it is advisable to adhere to a diet and get aerobic exercise in order to bring the BMI to normal values;
over 30- obesity. Obesity can be accompanied by a whole series of diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, and various tumors. With obesity, the risk of death from cardiovascular disease increases by 30%. To treat obesity and stabilize weight, you must consult a doctor.

There is also a table for calculating BMI:

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Body mass index for men and women

The above BMI classification is not related to the gender of the person and is designed for ages 22-45 years.

Normal body weight is characterized by a BMI of 19-24 for women and 20-25 for men.

You also need to take into account various body features. A person with developed muscles may have an “excess” BMI, but obesity will not be observed, since muscle tissue is heavier than fat tissue.

With age, the normal BMI gradually increases. BMI indicators for children differ from BMI indicators for adults, because children have different body proportions and, accordingly, a different amount of adipose tissue.

Calculating BMI taking into account age leads to the following results:

The normal BMI depending on age in children ranges from 15 before 18 ;
19-24 years old: normal BMI is 19,5 in women and 21,4 in men;
25-34 years: Normal BMI is 23,2 in women and 21,6 in men;
35-44 years: The normal BMI is 23,4 for women and 22,9 in men;
45-54 years: Normal BMI is 25,2 in women and 25,8 in men;
after 55 years: The normal BMI is 27,3 in women and 26,6 in men.

Degrees of obesity by BMI

Index BMI over 30 talks about obesity. There are three degrees of obesity:

BMI 30-35 speaks of first degree obesity;
35-40 – second degree of obesity;
over 40 - third degree.

Obesity can cause many dangerous diseases. The consequences of obesity include diseases such as:

arterial calcification;
arthrosis of various types;
bleeding disorders, risk of blood clots;
high blood pressure;
diabetes;
metabolic disorders of various types;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
oncological diseases of the kidneys, liver, stomach, mammary glands;
increased tendency to depression.

Obesity is a condition that requires medical intervention. Treatment for obesity includes a strict diet, appetite suppressant medications, psychotherapy, and regular exercise.

Currently, BMI is rarely used to diagnose obesity and as a universal measure of physical health.

The results of recent medical research show that obesity is not always accompanied by diseases, and underweight, on the contrary, is more dangerous to health.

According to studies, about 35% of patients with a very high BMI (more than 40) have absolutely normal metabolism. And 8% of people with a normal BMI have metabolic problems.

As a result, this group of patients has an increased risk of developing diseases that are more common in obese people. In addition, scientists discovered an as yet unexplained phenomenon, which they called the “obesity paradox.”

This phenomenon is that people who are overweight are less likely to die from heart disease than people who are normal or underweight.

A large-scale experiment showed that people with a BMI less than 18 are three times more likely to die from heart disease. All these data indicate that BMI, despite the simplicity of calculation, is not a correct measure of health, because its calculation misses a large number of factors that influence human health.

For example, the types of fat deposits, the ratio of fat to muscle, age, gender, race, and hereditary predisposition are not taken into account.

The study showed that there is currently a need to develop a more accurate method for assessing the health of people, especially those who are overweight or underweight.

The results of BMI calculations are not suitable for estimating the weight of professional athletes, pregnant women, as well as people suffering from edema and other disorders that lead to an incorrect assessment of the initial data.

The weight ranges in this calculator are calculated taking into account height, according to the methods of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The method of assessing weight using BMI is intended for the primary identification of underweight or excess weight. Receiving a score different from the norm is a reason to contact a nutritionist and endocrinologist in order to conduct an individual weight assessment and develop recommendations for its correction, if necessary.

The ideal weight range (normal) shows at what weight the probability of occurrence and recurrence of diseases associated with overweight or underweight is minimal. In addition, as practice shows, a person with a normal weight looks not only healthy, but also the most attractive. If you are adjusting your weight, it is highly recommended not to go beyond the norm in order to avoid health problems.

About weight categories

Underweight usually an indication for increased nutrition; It is also recommended to consult a nutritionist or endocrinologist. This category includes people who are malnourished or have a medical condition that causes them to lose weight.
Lack of body weight is also typical for professional models, gymnasts, ballerinas or girls who are overly keen on losing weight without the supervision of a nutritionist. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to health problems. Therefore, weight correction in this range should be accompanied by regular medical monitoring.

Norm shows the weight at which a person has the maximum chance of remaining healthy and, as a result, beautiful for as long as possible. Normal weight is not a guarantee of good health, but it significantly reduces the risk of disorders and diseases caused by being overweight or underweight. In addition, those with normal weight tend to feel good even after intense physical activity.

Obesity speaks of excess body weight. A person in this category often has some signs associated with excess weight (shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, fatigue, fat folds, dissatisfaction with his figure) and has every chance of moving into the obesity category. In this case, a slight weight correction to normal or to values close to it is recommended. It would also be a good idea to consult a nutritionist.

Obesity- an indicator of a chronic disease associated with excess body weight. Obesity invariably leads to problems with the cardiovascular system and significantly increases the risk of acquiring other diseases (diabetes, hypertension, etc.). Treatment of obesity is carried out exclusively under the supervision of a nutritionist or endocrinologist, and only after conducting the necessary tests and determining its type. It is not recommended to engage in uncontrolled diets and serious physical activity if you are obese, as this can provoke additional problems.

Answers on questions

What specific weight is ideal for me?

The calculator calculates the ideal weight range for you based on your height. From this range you are free to choose any specific weight, depending on your preferences, beliefs and requirements for your figure. For example, adherents of a model figure tend to keep their weight at the lower limit.

If your priority is health and life expectancy, then your ideal weight is calculated based on medical statistics. In this case, the optimal weight is calculated based on a BMI of 23.

Can the assessment received be trusted?

Yes. Adult weight estimates are based on the results of authoritative studies from the World Health Organization (WHO). Weight assessment from birth to 18 years is carried out using a separate special method, also developed by WHO.

Why is gender not taken into account?

BMI assessment of adults is carried out in the same way for both men and women - this is justified by the results of statistical studies. At the same time, for assessing weight, gender and age are of fundamental importance.

Some other weight calculator gives a different result. What to believe?

There are a huge number of calculators designed to give weight estimates based on height and gender. But their formulas, as a rule, were developed in the last century by individuals or teams based on criteria that are unknown to you or do not suit you (for example, formulas for evaluating athletes).

The WHO recommendations used in this calculator were developed for ordinary modern people, taking into account the conditions of modern life, medical advances and based on recent observations of the population of all continents of the planet. Therefore, we trust only this technique.

I believe the result should be different.

The assessment is made solely on the basis of the height and weight data you provide (as well as age and gender for children). If you receive unexpected results, please double-check all entered data. Also, make sure that you are not one of the women whose weight cannot be assessed through body mass index.

My result is underweight, but I want to lose more weight

There is nothing unusual in this; many professional models, dancers, and ballerinas do just that. However, in this case, it is recommended to lose weight only under the supervision of a nutritionist and endocrinologist, so as not to harm your health if it means something to you.

My result is normal, but I consider myself fat (or thin)

If you have concerns about your figure, we recommend taking up fitness after consulting with a good nutritionist.

Please note that some elements of the figure are practically impossible to correct only with the help of fitness, exercise, diet, or a combination of these. Your goals should be analyzed by an experienced doctor to assess their reality, consequences and prescribe only the right procedures.

My result is pre-obesity (or obesity), but I don’t agree with it

If you are an athlete with increased muscle mass, then weight assessment by BMI is simply not intended for you (this is mentioned in). In any case, for an accurate individual weight assessment, contact a nutritionist - only in this case will you receive an authoritative result with a doctor’s seal.

Why am I considered too thin or fat even though my weight is normal?

Pay attention to the personalities and weight of the people who bother you. As a rule, they judge solely by themselves: subjectively. Overweight people always consider thin people to be skinny, and thin people always consider overweight people to be fat, moreover, both of them can have a weight within the healthy norm. Take into account social factors: try to exclude or suppress those judgments addressed to you that are based on ignorance, envy or personal hostility. Only an objective assessment of BMI, which clearly indicates the norm, excess or deficiency of mass, is worthy of trust; and trust your concerns about your figure only to supportive people in your weight category or to a doctor.

How to calculate body mass index (BMI)?

It is necessary to divide the weight indicated in kilograms by the square of the height indicated in meters. For example, with a height of 178 cm and a weight of 69 kg, the calculation will be as follows:
BMI = 69 / (1.78 * 1.78) = 21.78

Body mass index is a number that is calculated based on a person’s weight and height. This indicator is used as an indirect criterion for obesity. It also makes a preliminary diagnosis of vascular diseases.

A high BMI does not always indicate problems. Additional examinations and observations are needed to make a diagnosis.

A little history

BMI was invented by the Belgian Adolphe Quetelet back in the mid-19th century. However, this innovation turned out to be known only to the scientist’s close people. One hundred and twenty years later, American nutritionist Ankel Case turned to calculate the index. Analyzing the correspondence between BMI indicators and chronic diseases, he came to the conclusion that the mass index can be used to preliminarily diagnose human diseases. Case popularized his research in medical circles, athletes and people suffering from excess weight.

Today, BMI is used to diagnose obesity. It is calculated based on known indicators - height and weight. Calculations are performed in the simplest way, sometimes online. What makes the method accessible, popular and in demand among women of all ages.

Body mass index has several other names. Two of them are associated with the names of scientists - the Quetelet Index and the Case Index. Another variant of the name - the BMI index - is associated with the English abbreviation BMI - “body mass index”.

How to calculate BMI

To calculate the mass index, use the following formula:

BMI = weight\(height x height)

Example of body mass index calculations

The girl is 1 m 65 cm tall and weighs 54 kg. What is the BMI of her figure?

BMI = 58\(1.65 x 1.65) = 21

Now let’s estimate the obtained value of the BMI formula using the table.

Table - BMI and diagnosis of excess weight, obesity

	Diagnosis	Who has it?
up to 16	Clear mass deficiency	The girls are models. Many famous models have a BMI of 16-17 units
16-18,5	Slight weight deficit
19-25	Norm, “golden mean”
26-30	Overweight, onset of obesity	Many athletes involved in boxing, sambo wrestling and judo are weightlifters. Almost all champions in the listed sports have a BMI increased to 25-27.
31-35	Obesity 1st degree
36-40	Obesity 2 degrees
more than 40	Obesity of the 3rd degree, which is accompanied by a high risk of vascular and cardiac diseases	In people with severe hormonal imbalances

Body mass index for men and women: is there a difference?

The calculation of body mass index for women and men is carried out using the same formula. The only difference will be in the evaluation of the resulting indices. For women, acceptable index values will be 2-3 units higher than for men. What is this connected with?

The physique of a woman and a man differs not only in the genital organs, but also in hormonal and metabolic processes. One of the differences is the number of fat cells in female and male bodies. For women it is 7-8% higher.

The increased rate of fat is explained by the participation of fat cells in hormonal processes. Their deficiency in women leads to hormonal disorders and disruption of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, even for an ascetic athlete, the fat norm is 10-13% of body weight. While for a male athlete this same norm does not exceed 6%.

For the average woman who does not exercise, the number of fat cells can reach 30%, despite overall health. For a man, the normal indicators are up to 24%. Different indicators of mass indexes for women and men are associated with the difference in fat standards. Since the female norm is higher, the woman's BMI will also be several units higher.

What else should be taken into account to correctly assess BMI indicators? With age, the limits of the acceptable weight index slightly increase. The data presented in the table corresponds to the average indicators for young people under 25 years of age. For them, the ideal BMI is 19-25 units.

For people over 25, the indicators increase by 1-2 units. So, for a woman between 25 and 35 years old, the normal BMI is 20-26. And for women and men over 35, the figures can be 21-27.

The distribution of BMI indicators is made by age categories, namely:

Up to 25 years old – ideal BMI 19-25;
25-35 years old – ideal BMI 20-26;
35-45 years – ideal BMI – 21-27;
45 – 55 years – ideal BMI – 22-28;
55 – 65 years old – ideal BMI – 23-29. Etc.

An increase in body weight index with age is associated with an increase in adipose tissue. Since the norm of fat in a woman’s body increases with age, BMI indicators “grow” - by 1-2 units every decade.

BMI, body fat norm and fat tissue distribution

What else is important to consider? If the calculated indicators are close to the upper limit of normal BMI (for example, 28-29 units), and are close to the diagnosis of obesity, then it is necessary to further evaluate the distribution of fat. A negative prognosis is considered to be accumulation of central fat - in the abdomen and upper torso. They complicate the work of the heart, increase the likelihood of cardiac obesity and fatty liver hepatosis. Even distribution of adipose tissue throughout the body is considered more “positive”. With equal accumulation in the trunk and limbs.

To determine the “danger” of fat deposits, waist circumference is measured. The following volumes are considered high:

More than 80 cm for women;

Over 94 cm for men.

At these values, it’s time to start controlling your diet, reducing the amount of fats and carbohydrates. It is worth contacting a nutritionist for advice and drawing up a dietary menu.

Higher rates would be a “strong” violation of the norm. For example, if a man’s waist circumference has reached 102 cm, and a woman’s has reached 88 cm, then you need to “sound the alarm” and seek treatment from an endocrinologist.

The most dangerous location for fat is its accumulation around internal organs, especially in the upper torso. The most “non-dangerous” are subcutaneous peripheral deposits. They serve more as calorie reserves and a “heater.” A layer of subcutaneous fat prevents hypothermia during the cold season.

A picture of the distribution of fatty tissue in the body is given by a group of indicators called central obesity indices or CBI. Their calculations are given below.

Where is BMI used?

Today, BMI is the standard method for diagnosing obesity. It is also used for the presumptive diagnosis of heart disease. A high BMI indicates that the disease is possible and further testing is needed to find out if there are problems.

Let's list the probability of which diseases increases with high weight index values:

Cardiological and vascular diseases almost always correlate with a BMI above 30 units.
Indicators over 30 correlate with a decrease in life expectancy by 5-6 years.
Indicators over 40 correlate with a reduction in life by 8-10 years.

High rates, more than 40, can correlate with malignant tumors, mainly in the digestive organs.

According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, a Russian receives a deferment from military service if he has a high BMI. The deferment is given for a medical examination and lasts 6 months. If no serious abnormalities are revealed during the examination, the young man will be drafted into the ranks of the military.

Low BMI is also often accompanied by diseases. Here are some examples:

A BMI below 17.5 correlates with anorexia nervosa.
A BMI below 18.5 is accompanied by anemia, menstruation irregularities, and problems with conception.

When BMI is incorrect

The BMI indicator is used to calculate a person’s weight and height. These data do not always create an objective picture. For people with a non-standard physique, they give incorrect conclusions. Here are examples when the result of calculating BMI will not be indicative:

For athletes whose sport uses division into weight categories. These are wrestlers, heavyweights, boxers. For them, the incorrectness of BMI is due to the lack of taking into account the ratio of muscle tissue and fat. A pumped-up athlete with a minimum amount of fat will have significant, high weight. And mostly it will be muscles.
For people with “wide” dense bones. Dense bone creates additional weight, which, when calculating the BMI index, gives a predisposition to obesity. You can determine your wide bone by measuring your wrist. If the arm volume in the hand area is more than 17 cm for women and 18 cm for men, you have a dense physique and wide bones. For this category of people, the BMI norm will be increased by several units.
For people of thin build. Their bones are lighter, so their BMI will be lower. While the person’s health will be normal, without a tendency to anemia and without hormonal disorders.

The asthenic type of people with a thin physique includes those whose wrist volume is less than 15 cm (for women) and 16 cm (for men).

How to improve the accuracy of research

BMI is considered an assessment index. They do not make definitive diagnoses and do not draw clear conclusions. In order to clarify the presumptive diagnosis, additional studies are carried out or other indicators are calculated. What indices are used to diagnose diseases associated with excess weight?

What is ICO

The abbreviation ICO stands for indices of so-called central obesity. These indicators determine the localization of fat deposits in the center of the body, in the abdominal cavity and under the sternum.

The fatty tissue in the abdominal cavity, near the internal organs, is called central fat. This is in contrast to fat deposits under the skin, called peripheral fat.

Central deposits are dangerous due to complications. Therefore, ICI is used to predict the health of an obese person. To assess the likely presence of vascular diseases, several indices are determined.

ITT

TT index or Waist\Pelvis - is determined by dividing two volumes, waist and hips. In this case, hip measurements are taken at the widest point. Waist size is measured at the level of the navel. The resulting value is estimated as follows:

For women, the norm is up to 0.85.
For men - up to 1.

ITN

TH index or Waist\Leg - is calculated by dividing the waist volume by the leg volume (at hip level, in the most voluminous part). The obtained indicators are compared with the norm: up to 1.5 in women, and up to 1.7 in men.

The Waist\Arm indicator is determined similarly. Here, the waist volume is divided by the arm volume at its widest part. The resulting value is compared with the norm, which is the same for everyone and equals 2.4.

engineers

Waist\Height index - determined by dividing waist circumference by a person's height. This rate is also the same for men and women of similar ages. And it is 0.5 (for people under 40 years old). With age, the value of the indicator may increase. So, by the age of 50, its norm rises to 0.6.

Body Volume Index IOT

This index characterizes the distribution of fat deposits along the body. It's not easy to get. To do this, the figure of a woman or man is scanned from several sides, the drawing is analyzed by a computer program and the result is given. With the same body mass index, people can have different body fat distributions. And accordingly, there is a different probability of obesity complications.

Ideal weight indices

A number of indices relate indicators of height, chest volume, waist and weight. There are several formulas developed by different naturopaths, doctors or anthropologists.

Brock's calculations

Calculating body weight is of interest not only to nutritionists. These formulas are necessary for anthropologists in their work. Thus, one of the simplest and most famous formulas was derived by a French anthropologist. It is called Broca's formula, according to which:

Ideal weight = height – 100.

Here and in other formulas, a person’s height is taken in cm.

The advantage of this index is its simplicity. Disadvantage: low information content and limited application. The Broca index adequately shows the normal weight for people with a height of 1.5 - 1.7 m. All other height categories fall outside the zone of correct assessment. For example, according to Brock's formula, the weight of a person 1 m tall should be zero. And the weight of a 2 m tall basketball player should be 100 kg. Which is far from the truth.

Breitman index

This indicator is calculated as follows:

Ideal weight = height x 0.7 - 50.

The Breitman index estimates a person’s weight more objectively than Brock’s calculations. Can be used across wide growth ranges.

Borngard index

The Borngaard index is even more difficult to calculate. It takes into account breast volume and therefore produces more correct results. The formula adequately estimates the weight of women with large breasts. It also correctly takes into account the shape of the female and male figure.

Borngard's formula:

Ideal weight = (height x chest volume) \ 240.

Skinfold index

The method for determining the thickness of the skin fold according to Korovin is also an evaluative method for diagnosing obesity. To carry it out, the thickness of the skin fold is measured in several places on the body. In this case, the fold is taken on the body - at the level of the third rib and navel. It should not exceed 1.5 cm on the rib and 2 cm on the navel.

What else should I add? Index calculations are an important assessment. But there are a number of other indicators that need to be taken into account. Among them are a person’s well-being, his immunity, activity and mobility. If they are normal, the person’s health is fine.

The problem of excess weight worries many people nowadays. To be slim means to be beautiful and healthy. Men and women calculate their ideal weight and try with all their might to meet the cherished figure. But how do you know what you are striving for?

Most often, a simple formula is used - men subtract 100 from height in centimeters, and women 110. The resulting number is considered the optimal weight. However, this calculation does not take into account the person’s age, body type and other additional features. Therefore, it is not suitable for everyone. A more accurate result can be found by calculating your body mass index (BMI).

What is BMI

BMI is a value that shows how correct the ratio of a person’s height and weight is. Using a special formula, it is calculated whether the subject suffers from obesity or dystrophy. This method is often used by doctors in the treatment of diseases associated with overweight or underweight.

The idea of calculating BMI belongs to a Belgian scientist who lived in the 19th century, named Quetelet. Subsequently, many nutritionists and anthropologists made all sorts of adjustments to the table. At the moment, there are formulas by which you can find out BMI not only according to Quetelet, but also according to Brock, Humvee, Kref and Devin. They received such names from the names of the scientists who calculated the indicators.

The formula for calculating BMI according to Broca was derived at the end of the 19th century by a doctor from France. It is ideal for the average person with a height of 155 cm to 2 m. Professor Kreff added to Brock's method. In calculations using his method, body type is taken into account.

Using a certain formula, you can find out whether a person suffers from so-called central obesity. To do this, the waist size is divided by the hip size. A number above 0.9 indicates that the person being tested has problems. An overhanging belly poses a health threat. They say that extra centimeters at the waist will deprive you of several years of life.

It should be noted that the normal indicators differed at different times. In recent years, the ideal BMI has become significantly lower than before, and therefore the number of people suffering from overweight and obesity has statistically increased.

What does BMI depend on?

Sometimes calculating BMI does not give entirely correct results. The fact is that it is important to remember that the ratio of fat and muscle tissue varies from person to person and depends on many factors. Therefore, people with the same BMI do not look the same.

In order to accurately calculate BMI, not only height, but also a person’s age, gender, and body type are taken into account, which is determined by measuring the wrist.

There are thin-boned, normal-boned and broad-boned types. The BMI of thin people with narrow shoulders and chest should be less than that of hypersthenics with large bodies. Sometimes the width of the chest is measured to determine body type.

Due to differences in the ratio of muscle to fat tissue, normal BMI varies men and women. It is also impossible not to take into account age test subject. The ideal weight of a young girl or guy will differ from the body weight of a mature person. No wonder. With age, the fat layer, which weighs less than muscle tissue, increases. So an elderly person can get an ideal figure as a result of calculations, and at the same time have problems with excess weight. Therefore, people over 50 are advised to monitor their waist-to-hip ratio to prevent central obesity.

A special formula and table are used to calculate the normal body mass index of children. In addition, we should not forget that the ideal weight of girls and boys also cannot be identical. Children under 2 years of age and after reaching this age will have different indicators.

The ideal weight of athletes is calculated in a special way. They devote a lot of time to training, and therefore have developed muscles. Their ideal BMI will be significantly higher than the average person.

Why do you need to know your BMI?

BMI is useful to know for those who monitor their figure and health. Doctors also use this indicator to determine drug doses. In everyday life it is used to control body weight.

It is much easier to keep track of your figure knowing what to strive for. And sometimes it happens that people invent problems for themselves. Young girls, for example, exhaust themselves with diets at an absolutely normal weight, which leads to anorexia.

Calculating your body mass index can help determine if a person has problems and how severe they are. Based on the obtained indicators, nutritionists recommend a certain diet and exercise for an obese patient.

How to calculate BMI

It is quite difficult to calculate body mass index on your own, taking into account all the nuances. We can help our users cope with this task. For people concerned about their weight, an online body mass index calculator has been developed. All that is required is to enter your data into the form and within a couple of seconds the result will appear on the screen. As a rule, it is enough to know your exact weight. For a more reliable result, you should indicate the volume of your hips and wrists.

Choose which formula to use to calculate, and then compare the resulting number with the data in the table. Based on the result, you can judge whether the test person’s weight is normal. BMI also indicates whether a person is underweight or overweight. Obesity has several degrees. This is also taken into account in the calculations.

We offer a convenient online BMI calculator. Despite its simplicity, it is quite accurate. You can calculate body mass index taking into account age using different formulas or derive an average that will be as close as possible to the correct one.

BMI is an approximate indicator

Even using the most accurate formula, it is impossible to calculate your ideal weight. Each person is individual. Therefore, do not be upset if your indicators are outside the norm.

The mistake of many, and this is especially true for representatives of the fair half of humanity, is the desire to be like models from glossy magazines. The slightest deviation from the norm can cause panic.

Of course, if the calculations indicate painful completeness, it is worth thinking about and trying to achieve better results. Obesity does not have a beneficial effect on a person’s overall well-being and health. Excess weight leads to hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and joint diseases. Therefore, you should take action and get rid of those extra pounds.

On the other hand, it happens that the BMI is within the normal range, but the body looks flabby and not at all young. In this case, you should not be proud of the test results and not care about your figure. You should pay attention to sports or at least increase physical activity to get your body in order. But such people do not need a diet at all.

In any case, you shouldn’t get hung up on dry numbers. The main thing is general well-being.

Even if the test results showed a bad result, you should listen to yourself. When a person is satisfied with his reflection in the mirror, and doctors do not see extra pounds as a threat to health, it is better to forget about formulas and calculations and enjoy life at a normal pace.