How to calculate BMI in women? Knowing this figure is important to understand whether you are at a healthy weight. But first, we need to know what BMI is and what it is used for.
What is BMI?
Body mass index, or BMI, refers to the relationship between a person's body weight and height. Thanks to this parameter, we can classify weight status (normal weight, obesity or overweight).
For this reason, we say that BMI is a very reliable measure for determining obesity. It can be used to identify weight categories that may lead to different complications and health problems.
However, before explaining how to calculate body mass index, it is important to point out that this figure is not a diagnostic tool. It helps us identify health problems in adults, but additional tests will be needed to confirm that suspicion.
As BMI only takes weight and height into account, the information it provides is fairly limited. For example, it does not allow us to distinguish between fat mass and muscle mass. That is why more information needs to be gathered in order to make a proper diagnosis based on it.
What is BMI useful for?
By knowing our BMI, we can identify whether we are at our ideal weight, using our height as a reference. Likewise, thanks to this figure, the doctor can carry out an in-depth assessment of our state of health.
For example, they may determine whether it is necessary to assess risks associated with being overweight or obese. In the same way, the higher the BMI, the greater the chances of developing illnesses related to weight gain.
However, it is worth remembering that it is possible to have a high BMI and still be healthy, and vice versa. It is possible to have normal BMI values and not be in good health.
Limitations of BMI
When using body mass index as an indicator to assess health status, age must be taken into account. This means that we cannot interpret a BMI result in the same way in a child as in an adult.
In the case of children, we use specific charts and patterns for each age group to assess proper development and growth. On the other hand, something similar happens with older people.
As we age, we lose muscle mass, so body mass index becomes less accurate for determining overweight. A similar case is that of women who are pregnant.
During this period, weight is gained; in fact, both weight and the size of the uterus increase. But this is not reflected in the formula used to calculate BMI, so using it in this case would lead to an inaccurate result.
How to calculate body mass index
The first thing to point out is that there is no different method if we want to know how to calculate BMI in women and men. The formula for both is as follows: BMI = Weight (kilograms) / height (centimetres). Let us look at how to calculate BMI with examples:Woman.
Let us take as a reference a woman weighing 75 kilos and with a height of 1.60 metres. Her BMI would be 29.3. This figure indicates overweight bordering on obesity.Man.
If we are talking about a man with a height of 1.80 centimetres and a weight of 75 kilos, his BMI is 23.1. In this case, the BMI shows that this person is at a healthy weight.
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BMI ranges
- Underweight is a situation with a BMI below 18.
- For a normal weight, BMI should be between 18 and 25.
- Results between 25 and 30 indicate overweight.
- Between 30 and 40, we can talk about obesity.
- A BMI above 40 indicates morbid obesity.
What can we do with a body mass index above 25?
Once we know the BMI ranges and have seen how to calculate BMI with examples, let us focus on women. Despite the limitations of using BMI as an indicator of health status, it is necessary to make certain decisions.
Why? Normally, a person who is overweight or obese will have a greater predisposition to different complications, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
In addition, the risk of developing cancer also increases. Being in this situation means taking action, but sensibly. In other words, having a wake-up call and becoming aware of the situation does not mean changing your diet and switching to a restrictive eating plan.
What is appropriate in a case like this is to seek the help of a professional to plan a balanced and healthy diet.Fad diets and what works very well for people around us may not be the most suitable option for us.
To get back to an ideal weight and lose those extra kilos in a healthy way, the following should be relied on:
- Diet. A professional should assess your usual diet and determine what can be changed and improved.
- Exercise. Doing moderate physical activity is essential. If it can be done daily, even better; if not, two or three days a week will have to do. Some useful tricks include taking the stairs instead of the lift and leaving the car at home so you can walk to some places.
- Good hydration. It is important to stay well hydrated and drink water regularly, while avoiding alcohol and fizzy drinks.
Is an athlete with a lot of muscle and a BMI above 25 overweight?
If we go by the range of results after calculating BMI, yes. However, we have already mentioned that this formula has several limitations, and this is another one. In this group of people, BMI may be higher because it is normal for them to have greater muscle mass but very little body fat.
Having seen all of this, in addition to knowing how to calculate BMI in women we must also be aware that a doctor should carry out additional tests so that we know what our state of health is.
