Body Mass Index abbreviated as BMI is one of the ways to find out the ideal weight measured based on your weight and height. By calculating it using the BMI formula, you can see whether your weight status is in the normal, underweight, overweight, or even obese category [1].
BMI or Body Mass Indexing is important to know as a way to maintain a healthy body as well as anticipate the risk of disease. So, what is BMI in medical terms, the formula, how to calculate, and determine the results? Check out the full details below.
What is BMI in Medical Terms?
Maintaining your weight is one of the main keys to having a healthy and fit body. But the question is, how do you know your ideal weight? Well, body mass index is a parameter that you can try.
Body Mass Indexing or BMI is a measurement method used to determine a person's ideal weight category. This calculation method was originally developed in the 19th century by Adolphe Quetelet [2].
Through the calculation of the BMI formula, you can find out whether you already have the ideal body weight or not. On the other hand, BMI is a measurement that can be used as a screening method for various health problems [2].
This is because a high BMI calculation result indicates the possibility of a number of diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and several types of cancer [2].
How to Measure BMI
After knowing what the body mass index is, then how is it measured? The way to calculate BMI is by dividing body weight (in kilograms) and height (in meters squared). Here are more details.
BMI formula = body weight (kg) : height² (m)
For example, your current body weight is 62 kilograms. Meanwhile, your height is 1.67 meters (167 centimeters) or if squared (1.67 x 1.67) would be 2.78. Thus, your body mass index is 62 : 2.78 = 22.3
From the BMI calculation results, you can then compare it to the standard female and male body weight categories. According to WHO, the BMI grouping is as follows.
- Underweight if the BMI number is below 18.5.
- Normal weight if the BMI number is between 18.5 - 24.9.
- Overweight if the BMI number is between 25 - 29.9.
- Obese if the BMI number is 30 or more.
Meanwhile, if you follow the body weight standards of Asian people like Indonesia, then the category becomes:
- Underweight if the BMI number is below 18.5.
- Normal weight if the BMI number is between 18.5 - 22.9.
- Overweight if the BMI number is between 23 - 24.9.
- Obese if the BMI number is 25 or more.
Can BMI Results Be a Parameter for Ideal Weight?
Basically, BMI is one of the measurements that you can use as a way to know your ideal body weight. However, you need to understand that this calculation does not include a person's sex, age, body fat, or muscle mass.
That said, the BMI formula is not entirely accurate and will be understood differently in certain cases. For example, for bodybuilding athletes and pregnant women, a high BMI number does not mean that they have excess fat or are unhealthy. Also, in children and adolescents, this calculation needs to be adjusted according to their age and sex.
On the other hand, you also cannot rely on BMI as the only parameter in looking at health issues. Usually, there are several other factors that the medical team considers in reviewing a person's health level, including:
- Physical activity.
- Waist circumference size.
- Family health history.
- The thickness of the skin folds.
- Cholesterol levels.
- Blood sugar levels.
- Blood pressure.
- Heart rate.
The above is an explanation of what is BMI in medical terms, the formula, and how to calculate it. Although BMI is a way of knowing your ideal weight, you don't need to immediately feel anxious if you get a calculation result that shows that you are not healthy. Try to do a further examination with your doctor to make sure.
In addition, you can also maintain your ideal weight by drinking enough water every day. You are advised to consume at least 2 liters regularly.
The habit of drinking water is very good in maintaining health while increasing the body's metabolism. You can make it a substitute for other drinks that are high in sugar and calories.
Well, choosing a good drinking water source also needs your attention. You can choose AQUA because it contains healthy and quality mineral water and its purity is always maintained until it reaches your hands.
AQUA itself is a pioneer of drinking water in Indonesia that actively protects the ecosystem around its water sources so that the mineral content in the water is maintained.
Let's experience the benefits and goodness of the best mineral water by drinking #AQUADULU every day!
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