Being overweight can lead to a variety of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. While weighing too little can increase the risk of malnutrition, osteoporosis and anemia. The doctor will make appropriate recommendations. This is why it is recommended to take into account the calculation of imc or body mass index. In this article, you will find out how to establish it.

Qu’est-ce que l’indice de masse corporelle ?

Thebody mass index (BMI)is an estimate of body fat based on height and weight. It does not directly measure body fat, but rather uses an equation to approximate it. The BMI can help determine whether a person is at a healthy weight or, conversely, too high.

A high BMI can be a sign of too much fat in the body. While a low BMI may be a sign of insufficient quantity. The higher the index, the greater the chance of developing certain serious conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. A very low BMI can also lead to health problems, including:

• Bone loss

• Decreased immune function

• Anemia

Although BMI can be a useful tool for screening children and adults for body weight problems, it has its limitations. BMI can overestimate the amount of body fat in athletes and people with very muscular bodies. It can also underestimate the amount of body fat in older adults and others who have lost muscle mass.

Calcul IMC : comment le faire

BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight by the square of their height.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides an online imc calculation for children and adolescents, ages 2 to 19, as well as adults 20 and older.

To calculate the BMI, you enter the height in cm and the weight. The calculators also provide weight status charts to help you interpret the results.

BMI is calculated in the same way for people of all ages. However, it is interpreted differently for adults and children.

Indice de masse corporelle chez l’adulte

Adults 20 years of age and older can interpret their BMI according to the following standard weight status categories. These are the same for men and women of all ages and body types:

Indice de masse corporelle chez les enfants

The body mass index is interpreted differently for people under 20 years of age. Although the same formula is used to determine the CMI for all age groups, the implications for children and adolescents may vary by age and sex. 

The amount of body fat changes with age. It's also different in young boys and girls. Girls generally acquire a greater amount of body fat and develop it earlier than boys.

Indice de masse corporelle et santé

According to the National Institutes of Heath, more than 2 in 3 adults are considered overweight and 1 in 3 is obese. Approximately 17% of children and adolescents (ages 2-19) are considered obese.

People gain weight as a result of energy imbalance. The body needs a certain amount of energy from food to function. This energy is obtained in the form of calories. Your weight generally stays the same when you consume the same number of calories your body uses or "burns" each day. If you take in more calories than you burn, you will gain weight over time.

Energy imbalance is certainly one of the major contributors to weight gain. However, your ideal weight depends primarily on genetics, the type of foods you eat, and the amount of exercise you do. If you have a high BMI, it's important to lower it in order to achieve an ideal weight. A high BMI is linked to a higher risk of developing serious health problems such as :

• Heart Disease

• High blood pressure

• Liver disease

• Stroke

• Cancers

Comment réduire la graisse corporelle ?

You can reduce body fat and achieve a healthy weight by exercising at least three times a week. You must also follow certain eating habits:

• Only eat when you are hungry,

• Eat a healthy diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. 

• You can also benefit from nutritional advice. A dietician can teach you what foods to eat and how much to eat to lose weight.

Just as a high BMI can cause health problems, so can a very low BMI. A lack of sufficient body fat can lead to:

• Une perte osseuse

• Decreased immune function

• Heart problems

• Iron deficiency

If you have a low BMI, discuss your weight with your doctor. If so, increasing the amount of food you eat each day or reducing the amount of exercise can help you gain weight. A dietitian can also help you gain weight in a healthy way.

Sources

About BMI in children and adolescents. (May 15, 2015) cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/childrens_bmi/about_childrens_bmi.htm

Achieving a healthy weight: Strategies for long-term success. (2011)

healthletter.mayoclinic.com/secure/pdf/SRHW.pdf