It is clear that you should go on a diet when you have excess weight.
But how can you tell if the corresponding problem has actually arisen?
You shouldn't rely solely on appearance: people usually gain weight slowly, so they don't immediately notice changes when they look in the mirror.
It often happens that measures are taken too late: when it comes to obesity.
But if you periodically calculate your body mass index (BMI), the problem will be identified in time.
How to calculate body mass index
You need to know your own weight (in kilograms) and your own height (in meters).
The first indicator must be divided by the second, squared.
The resulting number must be checked against the following list:
- BMI equal to 18.5 or less – underweight;
- BMI more than 18.5 and less than 25 - weight is normal;
- BMI from 25 to 30 - there is excess weight;
- BMI over 30 is obesity.
Example of calculating body mass index
Let's say a person whose height is 1.8 meters weighs 75 kilograms.
Let's calculate his BMI: 75 must be divided by the squared number 1.8. The result is 75/3.24 or 23.15. It turns out that the person's weight is normal.
Is BMI suitable for everyone?
This index should only be calculated by people aged 20 to 65 years.
There is no point in teenagers and older people finding out their BMI.
In addition, athletes should not engage in such calculations either. After all, well-developed muscles make a person heavier, but do not indicate obesity.
Earlier it became known what time you need to have dinner to maintain a normal weight.
