- Underweight: BMI of 18.5 or less
- Normal Weight BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
- Overweight BMI between 25 and 29.9
- Obese BMI between 30 and 39.9
- Morbid Obese: BMI of 40 or higher (also called severely or morbidly obese).
After the body mass index is calculated by the physician, the patient is informed about these values and the process is planned if there is a condition that needs to be treated.
How is Body Mass Index Calculated?
Body mass index, which is used worldwide to calculate obesity status and has standard values, can be calculated by doctors. However, it is also possible for individuals to calculate their own body mass index. After the body mass index is calculated, the necessary treatment process is initiated according to the health status of the patients, the doctor's recommendations and the demands of the patients.
A person with a height of 1.70 and a weight of 70 has a body mass index of 24.22. The result in question is found as follows:
- The patient's height is squared: 1.70 x 1.70 = 2.89
- Divide the number by the weight: 70 / 2.89 = 24.22
The person in question is considered to be of normal weight according to the resulting body mass index.
What Does Body Mass Index Mean?
Body mass index can give weight-related results that may require people to change their lifestyle. At the same time, doctors may advise patients according to this value. In cases where these values are not too high or too low, medication or lifestyle changes may be sufficient to reach normal values.
However, in cases where lifestyle changes and medical treatment are not sufficient, surgical intervention may be required. Considering the 5 categories mentioned above, the recommendations made by doctors are usually as follows:
- Thin people have a very low body mass index. The person should gain weight in a healthy way and, if possible, do so under the supervision of a dietician.
- People of normal weight are also considered to be of ideal weight. They can continue to eat a regular and balanced diet and exercise to maintain their current weight.
- People who are considered overweight are recommended to follow diet and exercise programs to get rid of their excess weight.
- In individuals assessed as obese, the current level of body mass index may cause other health problems. People in this group are recommended to get rid of their excess weight with the help of a dietician.
- People who are considered morbidly obese are at an increased risk of developing serious health problems and cardiovascular diseases are among the most important of these diseases. The conditions that may occur in these patients can be life-threatening. In addition to diet and exercise programs, surgical operations may also be recommended for patients in this group.
The treatment method to be applied according to the condition of the person is decided by the doctor. In this process, it is of great importance for patients to participate in the process by believing in the success of the treatment and to act selflessly in order to lose weight or gain weight.
What Should Be the Ideal Body Mass Index?
The ideal body mass index of all patients varies according to their age. The standard and ideal body mass index values are as follows:
- 19-24 for individuals between 19 and 24 years of age,
- 20-25 for individuals between 25 and 34 years of age,
- 21-26 for individuals between 35 and 44 years of age,
- 22-27 for individuals between 45 and 54 years of age,
- 23-28 for people between 55 and 64 years of age,
- 24-29 for people aged 65 and over.
- Although everyone can calculate their own body mass index, a detailed body mass index calculation that takes into account parameters such as gender, age and health problems of the patient should be performed by doctors.
