There are a thousand reasons why we may want to lose weight, but we are not always clear if we really should do it and how many kilos we have to lose. We would like to have some way of knowing for sure. Well, calm down, because I have it, but … I have to do a course in applied mathematics.
Let no one be alarmed! These mates are easy and very useful to know if we really have to lose weight or not. And for this, nutritionists have the formula for the body mass index (BMI).
It is calculated by dividing the weight (in kilos) by the height squared (in meters).
BMI = weight: height 2
For example, if you are 1.67 m tall and weigh 60 kg, you must multiply your height by the same value (1.67 x 1.67 = 2.78) and then divide the weight (60 kg) by the value obtained with the previous operation (2.78).
60: 2.78 (1.67 x 1.67) = 21.5
With the total, in this case 21.5, you can now assess your result with the parameters of the World Health Organization (WHO):
Your weight is low… If your BMI is up to 18.5.
Your weight is normal… When your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.
You are overweight… If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9.
It's obesity … When the BMI is between 30 and 39.9.
And extreme obesity … It is considered when the BMI exceeds 40.
If you want to save the math, the OCU has a calculator for the BMI that can help you.
Is the BMI reliable?
It is a useful but not perfect tool, since developed muscles or high fluid retention can give wrong results.
Can you tell if I have fat left over?
No, the BMI result does not distinguish between fatty and non-fatty tissues. To know this data, you have to study the distribution of fat by measuring arms, wrists, waist and hips. But we also have another very useful formula, which is the waist-hip ratio (ICC).
How is the waist-hip ratio (ICC) calculated?
A simple way is to measure the perimeter of your waist and the maximum perimeter of your hips (the one at its widest point) with a tape measure. Then divide the first number (in centimeters) by the second.
ICC = waist: hip
For example, if your waist is 83 cm and your hips are 104 cm:
ICC = 83: 104 = 0.79
An ICC higher than 1.0 in men and 0.9 in women is related to an excess of fat accumulated in the abdomen, which indicates that there is a high risk of developing coronary heart disease.
If after doing your calculations you need to lose weight, here you can see which diet is best for you. And if you want to do it fully motivated, don't miss the Clara Challenge to lose weight, you can start it whenever you want and see results in four weeks.
