Calculating Body Mass Index is one of the most commonly used methods to assess the healthy weight of an individual and the amount of body fat per height. If you want to understand your health better or learn about the BMI formula, this guide will walk you through the nitty gritty of a BMI calculator in Kg and meters. Subsequently, you will understand the definition of BMI, how to calculate it, and the process to interpret the results.
What is BMI?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a simple formula that classifies individuals into different weight categories based on their height and weight. Though it fails to measure body fat directly, it provides a rough estimate of whether you are underweight, overweight, or normal weight.
Several healthcare providers across the globe leverage BMI to identify weight-related health issues. It is a useful tool for regular health assessment. However, it is crucial to understand that BMI fails to explain factors like muscle mass, bone density, or the distribution of fat in the body.
What Will You Need to Calculate BMI?
To use the BMI calculator in kgs, you will need two measurements of your body:
●Weight: Your weight in kilograms (kg)
●Height: Your height in meters (m)
How to Calculate BMI in KG: The Formula
The BMI formula is straightforward. Have a look:
●International formula: Weight (Kilograms) / Height (metres)² = BMI
●Imperial System formula: (Weight (lbs)/Height (Inches)²) *703 = BMI
What is the Step-by-Step Process to Calculate BMI in KG?
Many people think that changes occur to the functioning process of a BMI calculator kg with age. While this notion is incorrect for adults, it does consider children and teenagers.
Calculating BMI for kids and teenagers is a bit different. Individuals grow at different paces and contain diverse levels of body fat, depending on their age and sex. For this reason, BMI assessments during childhood and adolescence take both age and sex into account. Specialists do not categorise children relying on healthy weight ranges because:
●Body compositions differ between boys and girls.
●Ranges of weight and height vary each month with ageing.
Medical professionals use BMI calculators in kg and cm mostly to determine the Body Mass Index for everyone, be it children, teenagers or adults. For children and teenagers, they then check the BMI result and age on a sex-specific age and BMI chart in kg. This chart detects whether the child falls within a healthy range.
To make things easier, let's break down the process into simple steps. Here's a detail:
Step 1: Measure Your Weight
First, you need to weigh yourself and record your weight in kilograms (kg). If your scale reflects results in pounds (lbs), then convert it to kilograms by dividing the weight in pounds by 2.205.
Step 2: Measure Your Height
Next, since we are using a BMI calculator in cm/kg, measure your height in meters (m). If your height is in centimetres (cm), simply divide the number by 100 to convert it to meters.
Step 3: Square Your Height
Once you have your height in meters, square the number (multiply the height by itself).
Step 4: Divide Your Weight Using the Squared Height
Now, divide your weight (in kilograms) by the squared height (in square meters). The result is your Body Mass Index.
Step 5: Interpret the Result
Now that you have your Body Mass Index using a BMI calculator in kg and cm, it is time to interpret the result. The categories of BMI are as follows:
●Underweight: BMI is less than 18.5
●Normal weight: BMI stands between 18.5 and 24.9
●Overweight: BMI is between 25 and 29.9
●Obesity: BMI is more than 30
Here is an example of how to estimate your Body Mass Index using the BMI calculator in kg and cm:
Suppose your weight is 65 kg and your height is 1.74 m. Then, the calculation will be:
●65/ (1.74)² = 21.46
21.46 is your BMI, meaning you are within the normal weight range.
Why is BMI Useful?
BMI is a simple tool that helps you check if your weight is healthy based on your height. It helps identify if you are underweight, overweight, or obese, which can increase the risk of health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Doctors often use BMI as a starting point to assess your health.
If your BMI is too high or too low, it may prompt further tests or health advice. For example, if you are overweight or obese, your doctor might recommend changes to your diet and exercise routine to manage your weight better. While BMI is not a perfect measure, it's a quick and easy way to assess overall health risks.
What Are the Limitations of BMI?
While BMI is widely used, it has some limitations, such as:
●BMI cannot be defined using muscle mass. Muscles weigh more than fat, so individuals with high muscle mass might have a high BMI but still be healthy. This is applicable especially to athletes and bodybuilders.
●BMI fails to differentiate between types of fat. Moreover, it also doesn't tell you where your fat is distributed. For example, abdominal fat is more harmful than fat on other parts of the body, but you cannot determine it using BMI.
●There are various factors that influence overall health such as genetics, diet, exercise, lifestyle and more. BMI does not consider these health factors.
Due to these limitations, the standard BMI chart should not be used to assess the amount of body fat of the following groups:
●Athletes and bodybuilders.
●Pregnant women.
●People who are older than 65.
●People with muscle atrophy due to medical conditions.
Final Words
To sum up, using a BMI calculator in kg is a quick way to see if your weight is healthy for your height. However, one must keep in mind that BMI is just a limited tool, and it fails to show the complete picture of your health. Other crucial factors, like body structure, muscle mass, fat distribution, and lifestyle habits, should also be taken into consideration.
If you are willing to understand your body better, then BMI can be a good starting point. Calculate your BMI today and reach out to healthcare professionals to receive tailored advice.
HELP CENTRE
<p>We’re Star Health. We offer the coverage that’s designed to help keep you healthy. It's the care that comes to you, and stays with you.</p>
Is Body Mass Index reliable for measuring body fat?
<p>BMI is a useful tool for screening, but it does not measure body fat directly. It has limitations, especially for people with a lot of muscles. For better fat measurements, consider using tests like waist-to-hip ratio.</p>
What do I do if my BMI is 28 but I do not feel overweight?
<p>If your BMI is 28 but you feel healthy, it is important to check other factors like body composition, muscle mass, and overall fitness. Talk to a healthcare professional for a more complete evaluation of your health.</p>
Can BMI be misleading for older people?
<p>At times, BMI lacks accuracy for older adults. As people age, they often lose muscle and gain fat, which can lead to a 'normal' BMI even if they have more body fat. Other methods, like measuring body fat percentage, work better for older individuals. </p>
How do you calculate BMI manually?
<p>To calculate your BMI, divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. For instance, if you weigh 70 kg (approximately 11 stone) and your height is 1.70 m (around 5 feet 7 inches), first square your height: 1.70 × 1.70 = 2.89. Then, divide your weight by this number to find your BMI.</p>