#Female body mass index calculator how to

One of the secrets of healthy weight loss is to keep a record of everything you eat. A reasonable and safe rate of weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds per week. Even a weight loss of just 5 to 10 percent of your current weight will help lower your risk of developing diseases. If your BMI falls in the overweight category and you have two or more risk factors for heart disease and related health conditions, losing weight is recommended.

This risk increases with a waist size that is greater than 35 inches for women or greater than 40 inches for men. If most of your fat is around your waist, rather than at your hips, you’re at a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. To get a better read on the health risks associated with your weight, your doctor may combine BMI with a waist circumference measurement called the waist-to-hip ratio. For instance, your muscle tone plays a role as you age. Learn more about how age, race and gender might affect BMI results in our FAQs, below. BMI recommendations differ based on your gender and other variables.

#Female body mass index calculator how to

How to Understand Your Results: Keep in mind that BMI has its limits. What Your Number Means : Your BMI suggests you are overweight. You can even step it up a notch if you have more time in your schedule. Some research has shown that physical activity does even more than diet to maintain weight. If you’re prescribed a drug known to put on pounds, ask your doctor for an alternative or suggestions for staying at a healthy weight when no substitute is available. This can affect your BMI many drugs list weight gain as a side effect. The older you get, the more medications you may take. Ask about weight gain with new prescriptions.In general, people tend to gain one to two pounds per year, which can add up over time. One reason: It’s easier to make an adjustment if you are up by 2 pounds than if you’ve gained 12. Studies suggest that regular weigh-ins help prevent people from gaining weight. Adjust your calorie intake to account for the activity deficit. Sustaining an injury or moving from a job where you’re on your feet all day to one at a desk, for instance, can be a recipe for weight gain. Anticipate situations that cause weight gain -and have a plan. To maintain a healthy weight, don’t let changing circumstances alter the number on the scale.Tips for People Over 50 Who Are a Healthy Weight: Learn more about how age, race and gender might affect BMI results in our FAQs, below. For instance, your muscle tone plays a role as you age. How to Understand Your Results : Keep in mind that BMI has its limits. The trick will be to maintain your weight and not gain additional pounds. What Your Number Means : Congrats! Your BMI suggests you have a healthy weight. Stronger muscles not only help you perform everyday tasks more easily, but can also add more weight to your frame and fight frailty. If your low weight is accompanied by muscle weakness, start a strength training program with resistance bands or small weights. Drink (nonalcoholic) caloric beverages, such as milk or juice, with your meals and/or a nutritional drink like Boost or Ensure between meals. Slip healthy liquid calories into your diet.These healthy fat sources should help you add pounds without elevating your cholesterol levels. Add nuts or seeds to stir-fries and oatmeal and avocado to salads, or enjoy a spoonful of peanut butter or other nut butter between meals. Sauté vegetables in olive oil instead of steaming or microwaving them. BMI can underestimate body fat in frail, older people who have lost muscle mass. And as you age, your muscle tone plays a role. How to Understand Your Results: Keep in mind that BMI has its limits. You may be better able to fight disease and enjoy good health by reaching and maintaining an appropriate weight. What Your Number Means : Your BMI suggests you are underweight.