There are two common ways to determine whether a person’s weight forms a health risk. Firstly, by calculating the BMI (Body Mass Index) and secondly by measuring the waistline.
Body Mass Index
The Body Mass Index is a standard for the assessment of body weight based on a simple formula: weight (kg) / height (m) x height (m). A BMI between 18,5 and 25 is generally considered ideal.
Example: 62 kg / 1,67 m x 1,67 m = 22
The BMI values are as follows:
- 40: severe or morbid obesity
- 30-39,9: obesity
- 25-29,9: overweight or pre-obese
- 18,5-24,9: healthy weight
- < 18,5: underweight
Waistline
The perimeter of the waist is a standard for the accumulation of fat in the abdominal region. The ideal waistline for men is under 94 cm. For women, it’s under 80 cm.
Obesity causes
Would you like more information about obesity? This video clearly explains the causes of obesity. After all, obesity isn’t just a matter of lifestyle, but an illness that requires medical treatment.
Dr. Yannick Nijs
Obesity surgeon
St-Michel Europe Hospitals
150 Linthoutstraat, 1040 Brussels
+32 470 588 537
+32 2 614 37 20