Body Mass Index (BMI) is a concept that explains the relationship between weight and height. It is used in obesity treatments and to determine how overweight individuals are.

What is Body Mass Index?

Body Mass Index is a value that shows the estimated amount of fat in a person’s body. It is calculated using a person’s height and weight. This value is used in various fields, such as obesity treatment and determining how overweight individuals are. However, it should be remembered that Body Mass Index is a value, and the results it provides are estimates.

Body Mass Index is abbreviated as BMI. In English, this concept is also referred to as Body Mass Index, abbreviated as BMI. In some places in our country, this abbreviation is used. Additionally, in some areas, the term “Beden Kitle İndeksi” is abbreviated as BKİ.

BMI is quite successful in determining ideal weight and estimating the amount of fat in the body. However, it should be noted that the results it provides are not definitive, especially in individuals with high muscle mass, such as bodybuilders, as it may give inaccurate results.

How is Body Mass Index Calculated?

Body Mass Index is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. The calculation for BMI is as follows:

BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m) * height (m))

To better understand how the calculation is done, a few examples will be helpful.

For a person with a height of 175 cm and a weight of 70 kg, the BMI calculation is as follows:

BMI = 70 / (1.75)² = 70 / 3.0625 = 22.85

For a person with a height of 160 cm and a weight of 90 kg, the BMI calculation is as follows:

BMI = 90 / (1.6)² = 90 / 2.56 = 35.15

Calculations are generally done in this way. There are many tools available online that allow you to calculate BMI by entering weight and height in kilograms and meters, respectively.

What Does Body Mass Index Mean?

Body Mass Index provides an idea of people’s overall condition. Based on the calculation, it can be understood whether individuals are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. However, it should be emphasized again that the conclusions drawn here are purely estimations.

The interpretations of weight status based on BMI values are as follows:

• BMI less than 18.5 kg/m²: Underweight
• BMI between 18.5 kg/m² and 24.9 kg/m²: Normal weight
• BMI between 25 kg/m² and 29.9 kg/m²: Overweight
• BMI between 30 kg/m² and 34.9 kg/m²: Obese (Obesity)
• BMI between 35 kg/m² and 39.9 kg/m²: Morbid obesity
• BMI of 40 kg/m² or higher: Super morbid obesity

It should be noted that the conclusions about weight status are estimations, except for individuals with significantly high muscle mass. However, for most individuals, these estimations are generally accurate.

Is BMI Sufficient for Diagnosing Obesity?

Body Mass Index is a crucial factor in assessing obesity. Although it provides an estimate of the amount of body fat, it is essential to remember that these estimations are valid for individuals other than those with a significant amount of muscle mass.

Body Mass Index offers a strong indication of whether individuals are obese. For example, it would not be accurate to call someone with a BMI of 25 obese or to talk about obesity risk. When looking at the ratio of weight to height, it is evident that the person is far from obesity values.

For someone with a BMI of 35, obesity can be mentioned. However, it should be understood that the initial assessment at this point is a rough estimate. BMI alone is not sufficient for diagnosis and diagnosis. Other factors are also considered.

One of the significant factors is waist circumference. Accumulated fat around the waist produces harmful hormones for the body. Therefore, waist circumference is always taken into account.

Another important aspect is the calculation of the percentage of body fat. Obesity risk is considered when body fat exceeds 25% in men and 30% in women.

Body Mass Index is an essential factor in obesity and weight-related issues. However, it should be emphasized that the information it provides is only an estimate.