The BMI
The Body Mass Index is also known as the Body Mass Index and is used to calculate overweight, underweight or normal weight. Based on the patient’s height and body weight, the BMI calculates whether the weight is normal in relation to the patient’s height or whether the patient is overweight or underweight. To calculate the BMI, the patient’s mass in kilograms must be divided by the length squared.
For a 1.70m tall patient weighing 65kg, this would mean 65kg : (1.70mx1.70m) =22.5. A BMI below 18.5 would mean that the patient is underweight. A BMI of 19-24.5 means that the patient is of normal weight.
A BMI of 25-29.5 would mean that the patient is overweight. A BMI of over 30 means that the patient is very overweight. The average BMI in Germany is 25.9.
At exactly 25, women have a slightly overweight normal weight BMI, while men are already clearly overweight at 26.5. From this it can be concluded that the German population as a whole is slightly overweight.In some countries, such as the USA, the average BMI is still significantly higher. Since the BMI only includes weight, but not how much fat or muscle determines weight, it is only of limited use in determining overweight or underweight. Nevertheless, the BMI is a good unit of measurement for adding approximately the body measurements in relation to each other.
How do I measure the body measurements correctly (bust / waist / bottom)?
The body measurements help to assess a person with regard to his or her physique. Often the measurement of certain circumferences is more meaningful than the mere determination of weight. Three values are of particular importance: the chest, waist and buttocks circumference.
In order to obtain the correct values, several things must be taken into account during the measurements. The different circumferences are determined with the help of a measuring tape. The person who is to be measured must be undressed in the appropriate places.
Furthermore, he should be sober so that the abdomen is not inflated. In addition, all muscles, especially the abdominal muscles, should be relaxed and the abdomen should not be pulled in. When determining the waist circumference, the person should have previously exhaled normally.
To measure the chest circumference, the upper body must be undressed and the circumference measured at the height of the nipples. Women should keep their bra on. The circumference of the waist is measured at the narrowest point.
This is a few centimeters above the navel. In contrast, the circumference of the bottom is measured at the widest point of the buttocks. For all three measurements, the tape measure should be wrapped tightly around the body without being too tight. The most accurate measurements are obtained when someone else, and not you, takes the body measurements.
