How well do you understand the BMI index?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a body mass index used by health professionals to determine whether a person's body condition is normal or malnourished, overweight, or obese.

The BMI index indicates whether a person is malnourished or overweight. Photo: nytimes.

The formula for calculating BMI is as follows:

According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), except for pregnant women, if a person has a BMI of:

- Under 18.5: Underweight, lack of energy.
- From 18.5 to 24.99: Normal.
- From 25 to 29.99: Overweight.
- 30 and over is obese.

There are also Asian-specific standards that differ slightly from the general world standards. SeeBMI chart for Asians.

Note:

- BMI does not apply to pregnant women.

- This index does not help calculate the amount of body fat, which is a potential factor for future health risks.

- This index is not accurate if you are an athlete or a bodybuilder (because muscle is always heavier than fat). Then your BMI will be in the fat, very fat range. It is also not accurate for pregnant women, breastfeeding women or people who have just recovered from illness.

Besides calculating BMI to determine your body condition, you should have a balanced diet and exercise properly.In addition, you can also refer to the nutritional pyramid to ensure a reasonable, nutritionally balanced diet, helping people stay healthy. Nutrition experts have visualized the amount of food consumed by a person and arranged them into groups in the shape of an Egyptian pyramid.

Nutrition pyramid.

The above nutritional pyramid is built based on the physical condition and type of food suitable for Vietnamese adults. Accordingly, the consumed food is divided into 9 boxes in a 7-storey pyramid. The top of the pyramid is the food group that should be limited, the further down the pyramid, the more consumption increases but at a certain level. Finally, there is advice on exercise regimen, drinking water, paying attention to food hygiene and safety...

According to vnexpress.net