BMI (Body Mass Index) Calculation

Body mass index calculation is a topic that especially comes up in obesity-related problems. The reference values used in this calculation are determined by the World Health Organization. The basis of the calculation is the formula kg / m², which means dividing a person’s weight by the square of their height value.

It should be noted that the results of this calculation are of great importance in diagnosing obesity and categorizing obesity problems. We will discuss in detail all the frequently wondered topics such as obesity testing and height-weight index in children. However, first, let us take a closer look at the values considered normal, in other words, what a person’s body mass index should be.

What Should Body Mass Index Be?

In the body mass index calculation, the person is evaluated as follows:

If the body mass index is between 18 and 25: normal
If the body mass index is between 25 and 30: overweight
If the body mass index is above 30: obese

At this point, it is necessary to emphasize an important detail. If a person’s body mass index is above 35, alarm bells are ringing. Because severe obesity can bring along dozens of different health problems. Today, obesity is the main cause of countless diseases. That is why it is necessary to take obesity seriously and take the first step in order to begin the necessary treatment as soon as possible.

What Does the Body Mass Index Value Mean?

After the person’s body mass index calculation is made, different values such as waist circumference measurement may also be taken into consideration. The obtained value is used to make various classifications such as underweight, normal, overweight, and obese. Of course, since the reference values determined by the World Health Organization are taken into account, the interpretation of the calculation result does not change not only in our country but all over the world. In a sense, we can also say that the body mass index value is an expression used to determine whether a person is at a normal weight.

What Does Body Mass Index Mean?

One of the first concepts encountered by those who have weight problems is body mass index calculation . Because we can say that the answers to questions such as whether a person is overweight and what level of obesity problem they have are provided by this calculation. The purpose of making this calculation is to determine whether the person is at a healthy weight. After taking the result of this calculation into account, some additional measurements and evaluations may also be needed.

By also considering metabolism rate, the body regions where fat cells are stored, the person’s general health condition, and similar evaluations, it becomes possible to determine the most suitable weight-loss program. For example, not every individual with an obesity problem may immediately benefit from treatment methods such as gastric sleeve surgery. Especially those with advanced obesity may first need to reduce to a certain weight range. In all these evaluations, the primary factor taken into account is body mass index.

Height-Weight Index in Children

First of all, it should be stated that body mass index in children can vary according to both age and gender. The same applies to adolescents as well. Having a high body fat ratio may pave the way for disorders related to excess weight and also very serious health problems.

The factor that impairs health is not only excess weight. Just like having too much body fat, being below the ideal level and being excessively thin can also seriously harm health. We can state that children’s height and weight follow-ups are carried out by pediatric specialists and percentile curves are taken as reference in the evaluation. In case of any problem, child health and disease specialists will provide the necessary guidance.

How Is Obesity Testing and Calculation Done?

In body mass index calculation procedures, which are also referred to as obesity testing or obesity calculation, the “Body Mass Index – BMI calculation” method is used. We can provide the following information regarding this calculation and the evaluation of its result:

BMI = Body weight in kilograms / square of height in meters

To make the calculation clearer, we can give a simple example. Let us assume that a person weighs 100 kg and is 1.80 cm tall. In this case, the calculation is as follows:

1.8 x 1.8 = 3.24
100 / 3.24 = 30.8

In other words, this person’s body mass index value is 30.8. Therefore, according to World Health Organization data, this value falls into the “obesity” classification.

Body Type Is Important in the Calculation of Obesity!

As we mentioned above, in body mass index calculation procedures, only the person’s body weight and height measurement are taken into account. Different parameters such as body type, fat tissue, and muscle tissue are not included in this calculation. However, in order to obtain more detailed data about a person’s obesity problem, waist circumference measurement and detailed body analysis are also required. Taking metabolism rate measurement into account is also of great importance.

We can explain this topic with a brief example. In men, if the waist circumference measurement exceeds 94 cm, it is considered “risky,” and if it exceeds 102 cm, it is considered in the “high-risk” category. In women, if the waist circumference exceeds 80 cm, it is considered “risky,” and if it exceeds 88 cm, it is evaluated in the “high-risk” group. As a result, it should never be overlooked that a person’s body type and the area where fat is mostly stored in the body are also important.

What Do Body Mass Index Results Mean?

Especially those who complain of obesity problems may wonder which classification they fall into as a result of body mass index calculation procedures. We can explain obesity types and BMI calculation results in the simplest way as follows:

Below 18.5 kg / m2: Underweight
18.5 – 24.9 kg / m2: Normal weight
25 – 30 kg / m2: Overweight
30 – 35 kg / m2: Type 1 obese
35 – 40 kg / m2: Type 2 obese

Those with 40 kg / m2 and above are considered severely obese or, more commonly known, “morbidly obese.” We can state that two different classifications are also made for individuals evaluated in the morbid obesity category. These are:

50 kg / m2 and above: Super obese
60 kg / m2 and above: Super super obese

Of course, these results are also taken as a basis in determining the surgeries, treatments, or diet lists to be applied to people with obesity problems. Therefore, it would be useful to emphasize that these calculations and classifications are of great importance.

What Else Is Taken into Consideration Besides Body Mass Index?

Of course, the result of the body mass index calculation is very important. However, determining the region where fat is mostly stored in the body is also important data in terms of treating obesity in the most accurate way. At this point, we can also state that the way fat tissue accumulates in the body is generally evaluated in two different classes: apple type and pear type.

In apple-type obesity, fat cells are mostly concentrated around the abdomen. In pear type, more fat accumulation is observed in the hips and thighs. Of course, fat accumulation around the abdomen is more dangerous in terms of the person’s risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. You can write your questions about the topic in the comments section.

For detailed information, you can contact us:
Landline: 0212 230 20 08
Mobile Phone: 0505 120 82 62