bmi

Fit for Life

Most of us would like to feel healthy and invigorated all the time. The depressing feelings of sluggishness and lack of energy – such as after an illness or over exertion are something we would like to avoid.

Body Mass Index

The Body Mass Index (BMI) ratio has superseded the old heights / weight charts as a rule of thumb indicator of fitness. Here’s how to calculate your own BMI:

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Convert your weight to kilograms by dividing your weight in pounds by 2.2

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Convert your height in inches to meters by dividing it by 39.4, then square it.

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Divide (1) by (2). This is your BMI.

E.g, if your weight is 65 kilograms and height 1.68 meters, first multiply 1.68 by 1.68. That comes to 2.82,. Next divide 65 by your answer (2.82). The answer, your BMI, is 23.0.

In women a BMI of 20 to 25 means that your weight is correct for your height, whereas a BMI of 25 to 30 indicates that you are overweight for your height. If your BM of less than 15 indicates that you are significantly underweight. Amman’s BMI should be between 15 and 20. The percentage of body fat considered essential for women is 17 per cent. A BMI less than this is a significant risk to health. Women’s higher level of fat is related to child bearing functions and takes into account sex- specific fat in the breasts, hips, and other tissues of the body.

The Ideal Waist-to-Hip Ratio:

Women: Your waist measurement divided by your hip measurement should be less. Than 0.8; i.e.., divide a 26< waist by 38 hips to give a ratio of 0.68 – which is fine.

Men: The same calculation should come to less than 1 ; e.g. a 32< waist divided by 36 hips gives a ratio of 0.88 which, again, is fine. A42< waist with a ship measurement of 41, however, gives a ratio of 1.02

Plot your height and weight on this chart to determine whether you are healthy, underweight overweight.