Calculating BMI

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Posted by Linda O'Byrne (Atkins Nutritionist)

BMI calculator, you've heard probably about it, but how do you calculate BMI? This article discusses the following topics: calculating BMI, differences between men and women and what formula you use to calculate your BMI.

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What is BMI?

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) indicates whether you have a healthy weight based on your height. You calculate your BMI based on your gender, age, height and weight. This index is suitable for men, women and children from 2 to 70 years who have a normal physique. For strength athletes or women who are pregnant, BMI is less meaningful.

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How to calculate your BMI?

Earlier we told you what it takes to calculate the BMI, namely gender, age, height and weight. BMI calculator is easy to calculate using an online calculator. Calculate your BMI using the BMI calculator on the Atkins website.

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BMI calculating formula

There are many BMI calculators that already contain the correct formula. However if you want to calculate your BMI yourself, we explain how this formula works. The formula for calculating your BMI is as follows: weight (kg) / height * height (in metres)

The BMI calculation is done by your height in metres squared divided by your weight. Here's an example:

Kirsten is 34 years. She has a body length of 1.67 metres and weighs 75 kilograms.

75 / (1.67 * 1.67) = 26.9

From the calculated BMI formula, Kirsten's BMI value is 26.9. In the following paragraphs we will explain what this score means.

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What does your BMI score mean?

In the chart below you can see that it is important to keep BMI between the values ​​of 18.5 and 24.9 to keep a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of disease. When calculating the BMI we see that Kirsten has a BMI value of 26.9, which means that she is overweight. So it would be recommended that she lose weight until she is within the healthy parameters. Healthy weight loss is easy on the low-carbohydrate Atkins diet. In this article you can read all about it.

 

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The disadvantage of using the BMI calculating formula

Now you know how you calculate BMI and what this means, it is also important that you know your BMI is not the only index that tells you whether you have a healthy weight. The disadvantage of the BMI formula is that you are only looking at height and weight. You can also have a healthy weight and have excess body fat around your organs. In the article about belly fat burning we explain that the fat around your organs is more dangerous than fat on the outside. It is therefore important that you not fixated on your BMI. Also measure your waist is important to determine how healthy your body is.

BMI calculator for women

In the big picture it does not distinguish between men and women. However, this is different in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and it's not advisable for them to calculate their BMI. The body weight gained will be because the baby grows and will place a pregnant women in the wrong category.

BMI calculator for children

Because children are growing, it makes BMI calculations less relevant and doesn't distinguish between boys and girls. A good BMI calculation table does take into account a child's age and sex. Do you think your child does not have a healthy weight? Please contact your doctor or a dietitian.

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Negative results, what to do?

If calculating BMI and measuring your waist gives a negative outcome, rest assured, you can easily do something with the low-carbohydrate Atkins diet! We help millions of people to achieve a target weight. Wondering what others say about the Atkins diet? You read it here. We help you free of charge with tips, support, recipes and meal plans.

Start on Atkins today and receive support, tips and meal plans for free!

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