BMI, or body mass index, was developed to offer a more accurate representation of whether an individual's weight could be thought about healthy. Rather than looking at kilograms alone, it brings height into the mix, so that those of us on the taller or much shorter side can evaluate our weight relatively. However what is BMI, and what can it inform us about our bodies?
Read on to discover what is thought about a healthy BMI, how it's measured, and how we can take actions to keep it.
What is BMI?
BMI stands for body mass index, and is a way of checking whether you have a healthy weight in relation to your height. It's calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared.
For example:
If you weigh 57kg, and you are 1.62 m high, the estimation would be:
57 ÷ (1.62 x 1.62) = 21.7
For that reason, your BMI would be 21.7, which falls in the 'healthy weight' range.
Is my BMI healthy?
So, what is a healthy BMI range? Below are the BMI ranges for grownups over 18, as detailed by the NHS.
- Below 18.5-- Underweight variety
- In between 18.5 and 24.9-- Healthy variety
- In between 25 and 29.9-- Overweight range
- In between 30 and 39.9-- Obese range
Just as being overweight can have an effect on your health, including an increased likelihood of having elevated cholesterol levels, being underweight is much better avoided too. In any case, it's finest to discuss your private scenarios with your medical professional and ask their recommendations on how you can reach a healthy BMI.
What other aspects besides a healthy BMI do I need to think about?
Although BMI is still thought about a beneficial sign of how healthy your weight is, it's not completely sure-fire. For instance, a professional athlete or someone who performs enhancing exercises frequently may seem to have a high BMI because of their increased muscle density.
For that reason, it's up to your GP or another healthcare expert to assess your way of life and diet in addition to your BMI estimation in order to get the complete picture.
How do I keep a healthy BMI?
Now you understand what is thought about a healthy BMI, don't panic if your score is outside of the desirable range. There are great deals of small steps you can require to work towards a healthy BMI, including modifications to what you eat, how you work out, and your day-to-day habits.
Have a healthy, well balanced diet.
This indicates ensuring your diet has the ideal mix of fruit, veggies, starchy foods, and proteins, and just percentages of high fat or high sugar foods. Have a look at our chart to see what a well balanced diet looks like.
Manage part sizes.
Just put as much on your plate as you truly require to consume. It also assists to ensure that when you sit down to consume a meal, you're able to pay it your complete attention, stopping when you're full.
Get active.
Activities that increase your heart rate and breathing (known as aerobic exercise) for 150 minutes a week are advised for keeping a healthy weight. Why not begin a brand-new pastime, like swimming or salsa? You could also discover a brand-new method of getting to and from work, such as cycling and walking-- the fresh air and light will also give your spirits an increase.
Reduce alcohol.
High in calories, low in nutritional worth: it's finest to take pleasure in alcohol in small amounts. Learn the suggested limitation of alcohol consumption weekly here.
You can discover more about how to look after your body and mind with the ideas on staying fit and stressing less in our healthy lifestyle pages. Or sign up to our e-newsletter, and we'll provide suggestions on workout, eating well, and heart health directly to your inbox once a month.