Doctors can estimate an ideal weight that serves as a parameter to the odds of a healthy state.
As the note of the health site Tua Saúde says, this important variable is an indicator of risk of heart disease, diabetes or malnutrition. It will also allow to determine if a person is overweight or obese.
How to calculate the ideal weight
The Tua Saúde note specifies that, for this, the Body Mass Index (BMI) is used, which takes into account the relationship between weight and height.
Body Mass Index Gives Indication of Healthy Weight Photo Shutterstock.
More precisely, it will be the result of the division between the weight expressed in kilos by the square of the height in meters (kg/m2).
An example: a person who weighs 68 kilograms and measures 1.65 m will have to divide 68 by 1,652. The result will be 24.98.
Body Mass Index Numbers
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the United States, overweight is defined as a BMI of more than 25 and obesity, in records greater than 30.
At the opposite extreme, a BMI less than 18.5 indicates underweight. Meanwhile, between 18.5 and 24.9 would be an expected weight.
Foods with fiber, indispensable allies for a healthy weight.
The fundamental clarification is that these measurements do not take into account the amount of fat, muscle or water.
A possible case cited by Tua Saúde is a person who has a marked muscle mass or fluid retention. In these situations, BMI figures will not give accurate information and a personalized evaluation will be necessary.
How to Get to a Healthy Weight
- If the BMI is higher than indicated
The first recommendation may be to increase your consumption of high-fiber, low-calorie foods — such as eggplant, ginger, whole grain products, and flaxseeds. In addition, perform an exercise plan appropriate for physical condition.
- When the BMI is lower than indicated
Foods rich in protein – including eggs, cheese, milk and derivatives, chicken or salmon – will be pillars of a good diet. At the same time, ultra-processed foods and fried foods that provide abundant amounts of harmful fats should be avoided.
However, these suggestions do not replace medical indications. A specialist will make accurate recommendations and follow-up.
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