Body Mass Index and Age: What’s the connection?

What is body mass index?

It is the number resulting from dividing an adult’s weight in kilograms by the square of his height in meters. Here is the interpretation of different BMI results:

• If the BMI is less than 18.5, the person is underweight.
• When the BMI is between 18.5 and 24.5, this indicates that the person has a healthy weight.
• While, a body mass index between 25 and 29.9 suggests the person is overweight.
• If the index is 30 or more, this shows obesity.

It is important to note that these numbers do not apply to children and teens. While protecting them from childhood obesity is very important for their health, it is essential to focus on healthy nutrition and encourage them to exercise, avoid consuming processed foods and sweets, and not be obsessed with being skinny to prevent developing an eating disorder.

The World Health Organization's standards for children’s weight, shown in the illustrations below, consider the child's age stage.

Body mass index and age

Age is not a factor in BMI for adults, but it is for children. This is because children usually grow larger as they age. It is important to note that calculating the body mass index differs for older adults, as general body health, fat levels, bone strength, and mobility are considered. Therefore, it is preferable to calculate the body mass of older adults over 65 years old only by doctors and to follow the appropriate diet.

Other criteria for healthy weight

The body mass index alone is not considered sufficient to indicate a healthy weight, or what many call the ideal weight. Instead, there are other criteria, the most important of which are:

Waist Circumference

This indicates the accumulation of excess weight and fat in the abdominal area, which suggests that the person does not have proper fitness and a healthy weight. According to experts at the Centers for Disease Control, if a waist circumference exceeds 89 centimeters for women And 101 for men, it increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, paying attention to maintaining a healthy weight while being physically fit is essential, not just looking at the scale and calculating the body mass index.

Waist-hip ratio

Where a ratio is taken that compares the waist circumference with the circumference of the hips, a higher ratio is closely linked to higher visceral fat levels, the fat found in the abdominal cavity surrounding many major organs.

Risk factors

When evaluating a person's ideal weight, it is also essential to pay attention to health risk factors such as:

• Hypertension.
• Insulin resistance.
• Diabetes.
• Having a family history of heart disease.
• High cholesterol.
• Smoking.
• Not doing any physical activity regularly.
• Weak muscle mass.

Conclusion

Instead of obsessing over the so-called ideal weight and using various mathematical equations, looking at weight more comprehensively is essential. Focus on eating healthy food, exercising regularly, and increasing muscle mass through weight-bearing exercises. It is also necessary to take care of your mental and physical health, conduct periodic examinations, and take health supplements prescribed by your doctor if required.