How do I know my body mass?
What is body mass index (BMI)?
To find out an answer to the question: How do I know my body mass? It is important to get to know the concept of body mass, or what is known as the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a simple mathematical tool used to estimate the suitability of a person’s weight and height. It is widely used to evaluate whether the weight falls within the healthy range. The index is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters (BMI = weight ÷ square of height).
The result is classified into different categories:
- Under 18.5: thinness.
- From 18.5 to 24.9: normal weight.
- From 25 to 29.9: weight gain.
- 30 and over: obesity.
BMI is a useful first indicator, but it does not take into account muscle mass or fat distribution, so it is best used as part of a comprehensive health assessment.
How to calculate your body mass index step by step
How do I know my body mass and what is the method needed to calculate the BMI step by step?
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BMI classification tables by results
After we got to know how to know my body mass, below we explain the BMI classification tables according to the results, which are used to determine health status related to weight:
| BMI | Classification | Health description |
| Under 16 | Very very thin | Very high health risk, and may indicate severe malnutrition |
| 16 – 16.9 | Extreme thinness | General weakness and severe weight loss |
| 17 – 18.4 | Slight thinness | Weight is less than normal, and may require dietary modification |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight | Weight is in the healthy range for your height |
| 25 – 29.9 | Weight gain | At the beginning of the increase, it is recommended to monitor the diet |
| 30 – 34.9 | Class I obesity | An increase in fat affects health |
| 35 – 39.9 | Second degree obesity | Greater risk of chronic diseases |
| 40 or more | Third degree morbid obesity | A very serious health risk that requires urgent medical intervention |
The difference between body mass and ideal weight
The question: How do I know my body mass, which has always come to your mind is naturally accompanied by another question, which is what is the difference between body mass (BMI) and ideal weight?
Body mass BMI
It is a numerical equation calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters (BMI = weight ÷ square of height). It is used to classify weight into categories (thin, normal weight, overweight, obese). It is a quick tool to evaluate the general condition of weight in relation to height, but it does not take into account body composition (such as the ratio of muscle to fat).
Ideal weight
It is the weight that is considered healthy in relation to a person’s height, and it is usually calculated using different equations such as the “Hamwe” or “Broca” equation. The result may vary depending on gender, age, and body structure. The ideal weight takes into account the body composition more accurately, and is used to determine a more accurate health and personal goal.
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Is BMI always accurate?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a quick and easy tool for assessing weight in relation to height, but it is not always accurate in determining health status comprehensively. It gives a general number that does not distinguish between muscle mass and fat or their distribution in the body. Therefore, there are cases in which it is not sufficient or accurate, including:
- Athletes and people with high muscle mass: BMI may show that they are in the “overweight” or “obese” category even though their fat percentage is low, due to high muscle mass.
- Older people: With age, muscle mass decreases and the possibility of fat accumulation increases. Although the BMI may appear normal, the percentage of fat may be high.
- Pregnant women: BMI is not used during pregnancy, because excess weight is associated with fetal growth and normal physiological changes.
- Children and adolescents: They need special growth charts that take into account age and gender, as BMI alone is not enough to accurately evaluate their condition.
How does lifestyle affect body mass?
After we have revealed how I know my body mass, the following explains the effect of lifestyle on body mass. Lifestyle is one of the main factors that directly affects body mass, whether by increase or decrease, and daily habits related to nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress level all play a major role in determining the body mass index (BMI).
- Eating large amounts of calories, and relying on fast and fried foods and sugary drinks leads to weight gain and thus high BMI. In contrast, following a balanced diet contributes to maintaining a healthy weight.
- Physical activity: Lack of movement and sitting for long periods, especially in office work or a sedentary lifestyle, reduces the rate of burning calories, while exercising regularly contributes to reducing fat and increasing muscle mass, which helps maintain ideal body mass.
- Sleep: Sleep disturbances or lack of sleep hours may increase hunger hormones and reduce fat burning, leading to weight gain.
- Stress and stress: Chronic stress may lead to emotional eating or eating disorders, thus affecting weight and body mass.
Tips for maintaining healthy body mass
Of course, we realize that the question of how do I know my body mass is not an easy question when it comes to your mind, but along with it come many thoughts that come to your mind, perhaps the most prominent of which is how can I maintain my body mass healthy?
- Follow a balanced diet by focusing on eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins, while reducing sugars and saturated fats, and taking care to control the size of meals.
- Exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, whether through brisk walking, swimming, or resistance exercises, which helps burn calories and maintain muscle mass.
- Drink enough water. Good hydration improves body functions and helps reduce false feelings of hunger.
- Make sure to sleep for a period ranging from 7 to 9 hours a day, as lack of sleep affects the hormones that regulate appetite and weight.
- Reduce stress levels as much as possible through meditation, deep breathing, or practicing hobbies, because stress may lead to overeating.
- Monitor your weight periodically without obsession, and intervene early if you notice any change.
- If there is difficulty maintaining weight or sudden changes in body mass, it is important to seek the help of a health expert at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital to evaluate the condition and provide an appropriate plan.
Is body mass calculation different for children and pregnant women?
Calculating body mass for children and pregnant women differs from that for adults, because the body mass index (BMI) in its general form does not give an accurate assessment of these two groups, and for this reason special methods are used to evaluate weight and health in them:
Calculating body mass for children
The BMI is not only calculated as a weight-to-height ratio, but the result is compared to growth tables assigned according to age and gender, and the condition is classified into percentages. If the percentage is less than 5%, it is an indication of thinness, and from 5% to 85% is a normal weight, and from 85% to 95% is overweight, and more than 95% is an indication of obesity. The reason for this classification is that children go through different stages of growth that affect body shape and weight and height rates.
Calculating body mass for pregnant women
BMI is not used during pregnancy to evaluate weight, because it does not take into account the weight of the fetus, the water surrounding it, and natural body changes. Instead, the pregnant woman monitors the rate of weight gain during pregnancy according to her weight before pregnancy, and evaluates this based on specific medical tables that show the ideal weight gain, and when the gain is excessive or insufficient.
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When should you consult a doctor about body mass?
It is recommended to consult a doctor regarding body mass index (BMI) in many cases, especially when the results are outside the normal range or if worrying health symptoms appear. Here are the most prominent cases that require a doctor’s review:
- BMI less than 18.5 (thin) If your BMI is significantly low, this may indicate poor nutrition, thyroid disorders, absorption problems or eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa.
- BMI is higher than 25 (overweight) or 30 (obesity). Excess weight may be associated with health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and joint problems, so it is important to see a doctor to develop an appropriate plan.
- A sudden change in weight for no apparent reason, whether it is gain or loss, may be a sign of an internal health problem that requires accurate diagnosis.
- There is a family history of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, or thyroid disorders, and here body mass must be monitored early and periodically.
- Symptoms related to your weight, such as constant fatigue, sleep apnea, or joint pain, which may be related to being overweight or underweight.
- During special stages such as pregnancy, childhood, or old age, the body mass assessment is more accurate when followed up with a specialist doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How to calculate body mass weight?
The body mass index (BMI) is calculated using the following equation: Weight in kilograms ÷ (height in meters x height in metres). For example, if your weight is 70 kg and your height is 1.75 m, the calculation is: 70 ÷ (1.75 x 1.75) = 22.86, which falls within the healthy range (18.5–24.9).
How do I calculate my body fat mass?
To calculate body fat percentage accurately, it is preferable to use specialized devices such as biometric devices (BIA) or body composition analysis (InBody), but it can be estimated manually using equations that take into account weight, height, age, and gender, including for men (1.20
How do I know if I have a mass?
If you feel an abnormal bump or swelling under the skin in any part of the body, such as the neck, abdomen, chest, or extremities, it may be a “lump.” It is often noticed when touched or accompanied by symptoms such as pain, change in size or color. The presence of a lump does not necessarily mean that it is dangerous, but it requires consulting a doctor immediately to determine its type, whether it is fatty, fibrous, cystic, or otherwise, and to find out if it is benign or needs additional tests.
With Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, we provide you with a comprehensive assessment of your body mass index and explain to you all inquiries related to the question: How do I know my body mass with body composition analysis using the latest devices and under the supervision of nutrition and physical therapy experts? Book your appointment now.
المصادر:
Body Mass Index (BMI) – clevelandclinic
