According to Brenda Davis R.D., "A healthy body weight is a weight at which the body functions most efficiently and effectively, affording itself maximum protection against illness and disease." An unhealthy body weight can lead to chronic illness and conditions such as heart disease. If you are a man and you are concerned about your weight, you can use the body mass index calculator to determine if your weight is healthy for your height.
BMI Calculation
To calculate your body mass index or BMI, you need to start by getting a current accurate measurement of your height in inches and your weight in pounds. You then take your body weight and multiply it by 703. This number is then divided by your height in inches. The result of the calculation is divided again by your height in inches to get your BMI score. This score is then classified into one of the five body mass index categories.
BMI Score
The BMI score is compared to the five categories that make up the body mass index. If your score is below 18.5 then your body weight is considered underweight for your height. If you score above 18.5 and up to 24.9, your BMI score is considered healthy and is in the ideal range. A score that is above 25.0 and up to 29.9 is categorized overweight, and if you score 30.0 to 39.9 you are considered obese. A reading above 30 can lead to serious health problems. If your number is higher than 40, you are considered morbidly obese and you should talk with your doctor about changing your lifestyle.
Men's Health
Brenda Davis R.D. states that "research suggests that those with a BMI of 19 to 22 enjoy the greatest longevity." As a man who is concerned about your weight, you should strive to keep your body mass index in the ideal range. Experts at the Harvard School of Public Health add that a healthy body weight lowers your risk for developing stroke, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and some forms of cancer.
Considerations
The body mass index should not be used as the sole indicator for how healthy you are. Other factors, such as your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, your diet and your exercise habits are important as well. The bottom line on the BMI is that if you score over 30 you are potentially leading an unhealthy lifestyle and you need to change your diet and nutrition habits, your level of physical activity and you need to lose weight.
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