Ideal BMI values for an adult vary between 18.5 and 24.9, and values above these indicate overweight or obesity, while values below these may indicate thinness or malnutrition. To calculate the Body Mass Index you can use our online calculator.
If your result is not ideal, see what you can do to achieve that goal.
What to do when it's above ideal
If the BMI result is above ideal and you are not a very muscular person or an athlete, this may indicate that you need to lose weight, eliminating the accumulation of fat.
For that, one should eat only foods rich in vitamins and minerals, taking care to reduce the consumption of foods rich in fat, such as pastry, stuffed cakes and cookies, snacks and barbecue, for example.
For results to be achieved even faster it is advisable to exercise to increase caloric expenditure and increase metabolism. Resorting to teas and natural supplements can be an added incentive to lose weight in a healthy way, without having to go hungry. Some examples are hibiscus tea or ginger tea with cinnamon, but a nutritionist may recommend others that are more suited to your need.
In case of obesity, weight loss drugs such as Sibutramine, or even weight loss surgery, such as bariatric surgery, may be indicated. However, they should also be accompanied by a strict diet and exercise, as far as possible.
What to do when it's less than ideal
If the BMI result is below ideal, what should be done is to increase the intake of foods rich in vitamins and minerals and of good quality, but without making the mistake of eating foods rich in fat. Pizzas, fried foods, hot dogs and hamburgers are not the best foods for those who need to increase their weight in a healthy way, because this type of fat can accumulate inside the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Sometimes a lack of appetite can be linked to a physical or emotional illness and a doctor can indicate what tests to do to identify the cause of low weight. When stress and anxiety are present, the accompaniment of a psychologist can be of great help.
When to calculate BMI again
One month after the beginning of this new way of eating and staying active, it is recommended to check the result of the effort to reduce or increase weight.
Normally people who have never taken care of their food or exercised, find it easier to lose weight, but when the goal is to increase weight in a healthy way, the process can take longer.
The important thing is to know that it is necessary to maintain focus and persistence, without getting discouraged on the way because being within the ideal weight is not only a matter of aesthetics, but a matter of health and quality of life.
In addition to BMI, it is also important to know the result of the waist-to-hip ratio to assess the risk of having cardiovascular diseases, such as diabetes and heart attack. See how to calculate here.
