📅 2025-01-13
Check your health status with BMI (Body Mass Index). Learn accurate calculation methods, interpretation, and health management tips.
BMI (Body Mass Index) is an international standard indicator for determining obesity using height and weight. Calculation formula: BMI = weight(kg) ÷ height(m)². For example, a person with height 170cm and weight 65kg has BMI of 65 ÷ 1.7² = 22.5.
WHO criteria: Underweight <18.5, Normal 18.5-24.9, Overweight 25-29.9, Obese ≥30. Asia-Pacific criteria (including Korea): Underweight <18.5, Normal 18.5-22.9, Overweight 23-24.9, Obese Class I 25-29.9, Obese Class II ≥30. Koreans have higher body fat percentage, so overweight starts at 23.
Pros: ① Simple and quick calculation. ② Internationally accepted standard. ③ Useful for large-scale population health studies. Cons: ① Cannot distinguish muscle mass from body fat (athletes may be healthy despite high BMI). ② Does not reflect gender/age/ethnicity differences. ③ Cannot assess body fat distribution (abdominal obesity).
Check these along with BMI: ① Body fat percentage measurement (InBody test). ② Waist circumference (abdominal obesity if men ≥90cm, women ≥85cm). ③ Blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol levels. ④ Muscle mass and basal metabolic rate. ⑤ Diet and exercise habits. Comprehensive evaluation is most accurate.
① Balanced diet: Proper ratio of carbs, protein, fat. ② Regular exercise: 3-5 times/week, 30+ min cardio+strength training. ③ Adequate sleep: 7-8 hours/day. ④ Stress management. ⑤ Regular health checkups. ⑥ No alcohol/smoking. ⑦ Sufficient water intake.
Underweight: High-protein, high-calorie diet, increase muscle mass with strength training. Overweight/Obese: ① Calorie restriction (reduce 500kcal/day). ② Regular cardio (walking, jogging, swimming). ③ Increase basal metabolic rate with strength training. ④ Keep food diary. ⑤ Eat slowly. ⑥ Consult professionals (nutritionist, trainer).
Conclusion: BMI is a good starting point for health management but not an absolute indicator. Consider body fat percentage, muscle mass, lifestyle habits comprehensively to create a personalized health management plan.