Am I Overweight

Modern lifestyle keeps us equipped with latest machines at homes and offices, to achieve the level of work efficiency expected. But the sedentary lifestyle leads to various problems like obesity, heart diseases, etc. People are becoming more and more diet conscious and hence are opting for weight loss diets. In order to achieve the goal of quick weight loss people opt for fad diets, without knowing the side effects. If you want an answer to your question 'am I overweight?', first you will have to find out 'how much should you weigh?'. The concept of body mass index will clarify the doubt whether you are overweight or not.

Body Mass Index

Every individual has a different type of body and therefore body mass index (BMI) can be an important parameter in determining any kind of weight related problem. If you want to know how to calculate BMI then, here is the formula.

BMI (in Kg/m2) = [Weight (in Pounds) / (Height in inches ) x (Height in inches)] x 703

The factor of 703 makes sure that the value of BMI comes out in Kg/m2.

or

BMI (in Kg/m2) = (Weight in Kilograms) / (Height in Meters) x (Height in Meters)

According to the available studies and statistics, an individual with a BMI in the range of 18.5 to 25 is said to have normal or optimal weight. A person with BMI greater than 25 is said to be overweight and the person with BMI less than 18.5 is classified as underweight. Extremely underweight persons will have BMI less than 17.5 while persons facing the problem of obesity, will have BMI of 30 or greater. BMI equal to 40 or greater than that indicates morbid obesity. I think you will find the answer of your question 'am I overweight' easily, if you calculate your own body mass index with the help of above formula. Any overweight calculator available on various sites on internet can help you calculate the BMI. So there can be no confusion about 'are you overweight or not'.

Height and Weight Charts

Height and weight charts are available everywhere. You can compare your weight with your height and then there will be no need of asking the question "am I overweight" again and again. These charts will inform you whether you need to shed some pounds or you need to gain weight. Remember, for both the cases, you strictly need to follow a balanced diet. Similarly regular exercises are also essential to achieve your goal. From the height and weight charts, you will come to know about what should be the ideal weight for a person, of the given height.

Factor Affecting Your Weight: Age

While answering your question "am I overweight", one should take into consideration his or her age. Aging affects the weight of an individual. There are standardized tables which can tell you about what can be the healthy weight for an individual of given age.

The above charts are useful for comparing your height and weight with others of the same age. The doctors always refer to the growth charts while diagnosing any health problem. Your height and weight are influenced by genetics, gender, nutrition, physical activity, health problems, environment and hormones.