How Much Should I Weigh for My Height and Age?
Affinity Health says one size does not fit all concerning your height and your weight.
Did you know that in South Africa, 31% of men, 68% of women, and 13% of children are obese?
Maintaining a healthy weight can minimise the dangers of developing health problems. Avoid obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease.
But it is critical to understand that there is no such thing as an ideal weight.
“Everyone is unique, and various traits determine ideal weight. Traits can be biological or psychological,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
What Is a Body Mass Index Calculator?
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a used statistic for determining weight about their height. A BMI calculation produces any of the following numbers:
- A BMI less than 18.5 indicates that a person is underweight.
- A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is ideal.
- Overweight is a BMI of 25 to 29.9.
- Obesity is a BMI of more than 30.
Calculate Your Body Mass Index
We utilise the metric system in South Africa (kg and cm). You can calculate your BMI online or multiply your weight in kilos by your height in metres squared. If you are 1.65m tall and weigh 85kg, for example, weight / height squared equals 85 / 1.65 x 1.65 = 85 / 2.72 = 31.25. So, your BMI would be 31.25.
Bear in mind that this BMI calculator is for information purposes. Consult a healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions. BMI is a vague indicator of health risk. It does not consider the percentage or distribution of body fat.
Age-Related BMI
Age does affect adult BMI, whereas the age of a child does. For children aged two to 18 years, both age and gender determine BMI.
What is the Issue With BMI?
BMI is a straightforward measurement. While it takes height into account, it does not consider things such as:
- Waist and hip circumferences
- Fat proportion or distribution
- Muscle mass percentage
These elements can have an impact on health. High-performance athletes, for example, are often fit and have little body fat. They may have a higher BMI because they have more muscle mass. But this does not imply that they are overweight for their height.
Another drawback of BMI is that it does not differentiate ethnicities. Different ethnicities may have varied body fat levels at the same BMI. This mistake could result in a misdiagnosis or an inaccurate estimate.
“BMI estimate if a person is of normal weight. It is valuable for tracking trends in population research,” adds Hewlett. But it should not be the only criteria used to determine which weight is best.”
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health is the leading provider of affordable medical insurance in South Africa. Members enjoy access to a network of healthcare providers. We have designed healthcare products to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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