How to check what is the correct weight?

BMI - an accurate indicator of correct weight?

People interested in healthy eating and active lifestyle know very well what BMI (BODY MASS INDEX) is. For the unfamiliar, it is a body mass index developed in 1832, which is an extremely simple tool for diagnosing diet and lifestyle. The creator of BMI, Adolf Quetelet, noticed a significant correlation between height and weight. He thus developed a very quick and convenient way to initially diagnose and monitor current health. Since then, BMI has been used by nutritionists, doctors and experts in nutrition and supplementation.

How to check what is the correct weight using BMI?

Although it may seem that BMI is a complicated mathematical equation, it is in fact an extremely simple formula. The body mass index developed by the Belgian statistician is the quotient of weight in kilograms and height given in square metres. The result is nothing other than the BMI. Its value should next be checked in the basic or extended classification for adults, which makes it possible to determine whether the current weight is correct.

• <18,5 – underweight
• 18,5-24,9 – correct body weight
• 25-29,9 – overweight
• >30 – obesity

However, BMI raises a number of doubts due to its lack of precision in a number of important aspects. Firstly, it should be remembered that enthusiasts of regular training and an active lifestyle in most cases have more muscle mass than people with a low level of physical activity. Secondly, bone mass is also an important factor. Some people have a thick-boned body, while others (e.g. seniors) may suffer from osteoporosis and reduced bone mineral density. Thirdly, it is also worth paying attention to gender, as women have completely different proportions of fat and muscle tissue than men. Fourthly, let's not forget about age - the progressive ageing process causes reduction of muscle and bone mass in favour of growing fat deposits.

Where to check what the correct weight is with the BMI?

The simplicity of the body mass index formula does not make it difficult to determine an accurate result. However, in the age of easy access to a variety of applications, there is a chance to calculate BMI using an interactive calculator. Some of them allow you to check your correct weight with even more precise data, e.g. gender, level of physical activity and age. In this way, you can keep track of your own weight and make sure that your current lifestyle is right for your health!