BMI, or body mass index, was created to supply a more accurate representation of whether an individual's weight could be considered healthy. Rather than looking at kilograms alone, it brings height into the mix, so that those of us on the taller or shorter side can examine our weight fairly. However what is BMI, and what can it inform us about our bodies?
Read on to find out what is considered a healthy BMI, how it's measured, and how we can take steps to preserve it.
What is BMI?
BMI represents body mass index, and is a way of examining whether you have a healthy weight in relation to your height. It's determined by dividing your weight in kgs by your height in metres squared.
For instance:
If you weigh 57kg, and you are 1.62 m tall, the estimation would be:
57 ÷ (1.62 x 1.62) = 21.7
Therefore, your BMI would be 21.7, which falls in the 'healthy weight' variety.
Is my BMI healthy?
So, what is a healthy BMI range? Below are the BMI ranges for grownups over 18, as laid out by the NHS.
- Listed below 18.5-- Underweight variety
- Between 18.5 and 24.9-- Healthy range
- In between 25 and 29.9-- Overweight range
- In between 30 and 39.9-- Obese range
Just as being overweight can have an impact on your health, including an increased likelihood of having raised cholesterol levels, being underweight is better avoided too. In either case, it's finest to discuss your private situations with your physician and ask their recommendations on how you can reach a healthy BMI.
What other aspects besides a healthy BMI do I need to consider?
Although BMI is still thought about a beneficial indication of how healthy your weight is, it's not entirely foolproof. For instance, an athlete or someone who performs strengthening exercises regularly may seem to have a high BMI because of their increased muscle density.
Therefore, it's up to your GP or another health care expert to evaluate your lifestyle and diet along with your BMI estimation in order to get the complete photo.
How do I preserve a healthy BMI?
Now you know what is considered a healthy BMI, do not worry if your score is beyond the preferable variety. There are great deals of little steps you can take to work towards a healthy BMI, consisting of changes to what you eat, how you work out, and your day-to-day routines.
Have a healthy, well balanced diet.
This indicates making certain your diet has the right mix of fruit, veggies, starchy foods, and proteins, and just small amounts of high fat or high sugar foods. Have a look at our chart to see what a well balanced diet looks like.
Handle portion sizes.
Only put as much on your plate as you really need to consume. It also helps to ensure that when you sit down to eat 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 (referred to as aerobic exercise) for 150 minutes a week are recommended for maintaining a healthy weight. Why not begin a new hobby, like swimming or salsa? You might also discover a new way of getting to and from work, such as biking and walking-- the fresh air and light will likewise give your spirits an increase.
Cut down on alcohol.
High in calories, low in nutritional worth: it's best to delight in alcohol in moderation. Discover the advised limitation of alcohol intake per week here.
You can learn more about how to take care of your body and mind with the ideas on remaining fit and stressing less in our healthy lifestyle pages. Or sign up to our e-newsletter, and we'll provide advice on workout, consuming well, and heart health directly to your inbox once a month.