Indeed, when trying to lose weight, you have realized that practically all methods to talk about and consider BMI. In fact, this information is crucial when you go to a consultation with a bariatric surgeon in Tijuana. But why is it so important to know your BMI and its implications? How can you learn to calculate it? Allow us to answer those questions for you.
What is BMI?
The body mass index, commonly known by its acronym BMI, is a number that calculates the amount of body fat mainly (and also muscle mass); based on the relationship between a person’s weight and height.
It is a fast and safe tool to identify weight problems because they are either under or over a healthy level. However, a bariatric surgeon in Tijuana can also apply other additional criteria for a good diagnosis, such as physical activity, diet, family history, among others.
What is the use of knowing my BMI?
The body mass index serves as a reference to identify whether a person’s weight falls into one of these categories: underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese.
That information can be especially useful for any of these reasons:
- Treating an existing problem
Those who maintain a high BMI (generally above 30) for a long time can suffer severe health problems such as obesity, hypertension, heart problems, complications with diabetes, respiratory problems, among others. But even if you already have some of these problems, there is an alternative. Surely your bariatric surgeon in Tijuana will gladly explain some of the treatments available to lose weight safely.
- Preventing future health problems
An essential part of good health is preventing possible diseases such as anemia, obesity, cholesterol, diabetes, etc. If an abnormal BMI trend is identified early, it can be corrected, and future health complications avoided. If you have a high BMI, it may be a good time to ask yourself what would be the best method of losing weight for you.
- Be eligible for bariatric surgery
If you have already been fighting obesity and have thought about undergoing weight loss surgery in Mexico, such as a gastric bypass or a gastric sleeve, surely you will need to know your BMI since to be an eligible candidate, you need an index greater than 30.
In terms of eating habits, a BMI, together with the opinion of a health professional, can help us know if we are eating correctly. We may realize that we should start eating healthier food or move away from junk food.
Learn to calculate your BMI in 2 steps
Calculating your BMI is very simple. The formula is kg / m2 or lbs. / ft. You only need two essential pieces of information: your weight and height. Now follow these 2 steps:
- Step 1. – Multiply your height by the same number.
For example. If my height is 1.60 m, I am going to multiply 1.60 X 1.60 m.
My result would be: 2.56
- Step 2. – Divide your weight with the previous result
Following the previous example: if I weigh 78 kg, I will divide 78 / 2.56
My final BMI result would be: 30.46
What if you have your measurements in pounds and inches? Then the formula will be the following: lb. / inch2 x 703
- Step 1. – Multiply your height by the same number.
For example: if my height is 62.99, I will multiply 62.99 x 62.99
My result would be: 3967.7401
- Step 2. – Divide your weight with the previous result
Continuing with that example, if I weigh 172 pounds, I will divide 172 / 3967.7401
My result would be: 0.0433496135
- Step 3. – multiply your previous result by 703
Following the previous example: 0.0433496135 x 703
My final BMI result is: 30.47
Is calculating my BMI always accurate?
BMI is a fairly reliable figure for most adults, but it is not always accurate. As in the following cases:
- – Generally, men tend to have less body fat than women since their body complexion is quite different.
- Age. – Similarly, in the case of children and young people, additional criteria are used since, due to their growth stage, the amount of body fat can vary. And in a young adult, it is common to have less body fat than in an older person.
- Physical activity. – Regarding athletes, high-performance ones or those dedicated to bodybuilding may have a high BMI, but it is not because of body fat but because of muscle. That is why they are not considered obese.
Myths about BMI
Currently, the widespread use of the body mass index has created some misconceptions or unrealistic expectations about health. These are 3 of the most common myths:
- A person with a high BMI cannot have bariatric surgery.
While it is true, not everyone is a candidate for bariatric surgery, a high BMI is not an impediment. A person with a BMI greater than 30 and less than 45 may be eligible for surgery. Going to a Mexico bariatric center with a specialist will ensure that you will be thoroughly evaluated, and you will be able to work together with a team of weight loss surgery experts to achieve a treatment that helps overcome obesity.
- Having a low BMI means that I am healthy
Having a good BMI is indeed a good indicator of health, but it is not an absolute guarantee. For example, a person can be thin, but if he has unhealthy habits or is sedentary, he can also develop silent diseases, such as anemia or diabetes. That is why weight specialists evaluate the BMI and other parameters to define each patient’s health status.
- Gaining weight is bad
Today, as part of the marketing of many products, they promote the idea that losing weight is absolutely necessary to be happy. But getting fat is not always bad. As long as there is a healthy diet and continuous physical activity, it is possible to convert fat into muscle and healthily enhance the figure, although logically, that would increase the person’s BMI.
BMI and bariatric surgery
Do you have a high BMI and want to have a better quality of life? Today that is possible thanks to Health & Wellness Bazaar. Many people who have tried everything to lose weight have managed to overcome obesity only through a successful bariatric procedure. But not only that, but along with the high BMI, they have also improved their health, figure, and self-esteem. Discover how to lose weight permanently and successfully in Mexico
If you choose to consult with our top-rated bariatric surgeon in Tijuana, he will gladly evaluate and guide you in this process that can significantly improve your life. Email us today with any questions you may have at [email protected] or call us at +1 (858) 779 2552, and we will be happy to provide you with any information you need.
