As a weight loss advisor in a gym, it’s our policy that every new member will be assessed by me. I have met a lot of people with different weight struggling with weight loss for a long time.
Many people have a different perception about the ideal weight. Some people say that a hundred pounds is okay but others say one hundred fifty. Do you know that to calculate the ideal weight is determined together with the height?
During the assessment, one of the basic things is their BMI (Body Mass Index). Through BMI, I am able to determine if the client is underweight, normal, overweight, obese, or extremely obese. Together with the fitness instructor, it’s able to plan an effective weight management program for each client.
The method of BMI is defined as the ratio of body weight and height. It is usually correlated with the percentage of fat deposits in the body, however people with increased muscle mass or those with larger body frame can also have an increased BMI.
Below is the simplest and common used formula to measure a person’s BMI:
BMI = [Weight in Kilograms / (Height in Meters x Height in Meters)]
Another way to get the person’s BMI is by dividing the person’s weight in pounds times 4.88 by the square of height in feet. The last option is by dividing the weight in pounds times 703 by the square of height in inches.
BMI = [Weight in Pounds / (Height in inches x Height in inches)] x 703
BMI = [Weight in LB / (Height in ft x Height in ft)] x 4.88
The first equation is highly recommended which is utilizing the SI unit of measure. However, you may use one of them.
After calculate your BMI, next is to interpret the result. Look at your BMI and see where your BMI fit in to the following categories:
| Category | BMI Range |
| Severely Underweight | less than 16.5 |
| Underweight | 16.5 to 18.4 |
| Normal weight | 18.5 to 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 to 29.9 |
| Obese Class I | 30 to 34.9 |
| Obese Class II | 35 to 39.9 |
| Obese Class III | 40 above |
People with BMI range between 18.5 – 24.9 are in ‘ideal weight’. BMI ranges between 25 – 29.9 are categorized ‘overweight’. Based to the survey in 2007 of the US Department of Health and Human Services, 63% of the total populations in America are overweight. This overweight problem not only affected the adults but also children.
It’s important for everyone to know how to calculate the ideal body. It helps you to manage your meals. By doing this, you will be saving yourself the trouble of seeking medical interventions to help you add or lose weight.
