If you are in your 40s, you need to make sure you are living a healthy lifestyle to prevent chronic illness and disease in the future. One aspect you need to pay attention to is your body weight. The body mass index calculation can tell you if your body weight is healthy for your height.
BMI Calculation
If you want to fall within a healthy weight range, your BMI should be from 18.5 to 24.9. To calculate your BMI, take your current weight and multiply it by 703. Then, take that number and divide it by your height in inches. Finally, take that number and divide it by your height in inches a second time to get your BMI. Compare your BMI to the categories to figure out if you're at a healthy weight.
BMI Categories
The five BMI categories include underweight, healthy, overweight, obese and morbidly obese. The categories apply to all adults, regardless of age. If your body weight is too low for your height, you will score below 18.5 and you will be considered underweight. If you score above 25.0 to 29.9 you are considered overweight. Obese individuals score 30.0 to 39.9 and morbidly obese individuals score over 40.0. The ideal range is 18.5 to 24.9.
Health Benefits
As you age, your metabolism tends to slow down and as a result, you may gain some weight in your 40s. Therefore, it is important that you work to have a healthy BMI, to keep your weight in the healthy range. The health benefits associated with a healthy BMI include a decreased risk of developing chronic illness such as heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. A healthy body weight can also prevent early death and give you a better quality of life. If your number is too high, you need to start following a healthier diet and begin a physical activity program that can help you burn calories to help you get your weight in the healthy range.
Considerations
If you are obese, losing 5 to 10 percent of your weight can delay or prevent chronic diseases. To lose weight, you need to choose healthier foods, such as as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and avoid processed foods, fast foods and foods high in saturated or trans fats. These foods include animal products and most processed foods. You also need to engage in daily physical activity of 30 minutes or more to help you burn calories. As you reach your mid-40s, you will have to work harder to burn calories, because of your slower metabolism and a more sedentary lifestyle. If you eat smaller portions of healthier foods and engage in daily exercise, you can lower your BMI. If your number is over 30, talk with your doctor and a dietitian to help you create a meal and exercise plan that works for you.
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