BMI Calculator for Overweight Individuals

BMI and Being Overweight

Medical professionals use the Body Mass Index (BMI) to assess if an individual falls into the overweight category. The BMI calculator is used to determine the body fat based on the individual's height and weight.

Being overweight is defined as a BMI of between 25 and 29.9, while the normal weight category range is 18.5 to 24.9. A higher BMI signifies that the individual has a higher probability of developing chronic diseases. Hence, we can say that BMI and overweight health problems are directly related.

One must remember that BMI has its limitations. It does not take into consideration the different types of fat or muscle mass, making it an inaccurate measure. This is because a person with more muscle mass may be diagnosed as overweight; however, muscle tissue is denser than fat and burns blood glucose, which is beneficial for the body.

Hence, if you have an overweight BMI, you must study it along with other health assessment parameters or consult a doctor to fully understand the associated health risks.

Why Being Overweight is Unhealthy?

In simple terms, weight gain occurs when the energy intake exceeds the energy spent. An Excessive weight can cause unhealthy metabolic changes in the body, increasing the risk of various health issues, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, kidney problems, stress, etc. However, with some simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce your BMI naturally, thereby decreasing health risks.

Using the BMI calculator for overweight people in India and tracking its values allows you to assess how much weight you are gaining over time. This allows you to determine whether the weight gain is temporary or consistent, helping you decide the future course of action for achieving a healthy BMI.

Some of the major health problems caused by an overweight BMI include the following:

High Blood Pressure

Type 2 Diabetes

Heart Diseases

Fatty Liver

Osteoarthritis

Gout

Kidney Diseases

Fertility Issues

Mental Health Problems

Pregnancy-related Issues

High Blood PressureHypertension (high blood pressure) means that the blood flows through the vessels with greater force than normal. Being overweight may mean that your heart has to pump the blood with more pressure, hence putting you at an increased risk of high BP.

Type 2 DiabetesIf glucose levels get high in your blood, it can lead to type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance, which means that your body is not processing the blood sugar as it should, often starts with weight gain. Being overweight increases insulin resistance and the risk of type 2 diabetes, which further leads to various health problems.

Heart DiseasesAccording to some recent studies, being overweight can increase the risk of heart disease by 32%. Excessive weight can put pressure on the heart, causing irregular heart rhythm, heart failure, heart attacks, etc. Moreover, if a person has high BP as well as high unhealthy cholesterol levels (both of which can be caused by excessive weight), it can increase the risk of strokes.

Fatty Liver the rate at which the fat deposits is greater than the rate of fat breakdown, it can result in fat build-up in the liver. This causes fatty liver. Higher BMI is a significant indicator of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). People with a higher BMI (excessive weight) can be at risk of higher fat deposits, causing fatty liver and the associated health problems like liver cirrhosis and failure.

OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis causes pain, swelling and stiffness in joints, particularly in the knees and hips. An overweight BMI implies that your body is putting more pressure on the joints, leading to an increased risk of osteoarthritis.

GoutGout is a type of joint arthritis that develops due to the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. Use the BMI calculator for overweight to consistently check your weight gain. Excessive weight can worsen gout pain and symptoms.

Kidney DiseasesBeing overweight means higher metabolic demands, which in turn causes the kidneys to work harder for filtration. Moreover, high blood pressure and diabetes often increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A higher BMI is associated with both these health conditions, thus accelerating the chances of developing CKD.

Fertility IssuesBeing overweight can cause fertility problems in both men and women. A higher BMI causes hormonal imbalance, leading to reproductive health issues. In women, it can cause problems related to ovulation and the menstrual cycle. In men, it can lead to testosterone reduction and reduced sperm quality.

Mental Health ProblemsStress and being overweight forms a vicious cycle that leads to one another. Being overweight can create self-doubt and result in lower self-esteem. This can trigger anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression mean increased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Increased cortisol levels lead to increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods, thereby elevating the chances of weight gain.

Sleep ApneaBeing overweight is also directly associated with the increased risk of sleep apnea, a condition where breathing becomes difficult while asleep. If you feel choked or experience breathing difficulties while sleeping, it may be a sign of sleep apnea. If you are overweight and have more body fat, it can put pressure on the throat and result in the collapse of the airways, hindering smooth breathing. Sleep disruptions can lead to increased high blood pressure or more serious health conditions.

Pregnancy-related IssuesBeing overweight increases the risk of pregnancy issues for both the mother and the baby. BMI during pregnancy can be difficult to manage, and pregnant women who are already overweight can face greater health risks. They can develop health issues like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, delivery complications and need for caesarean delivery. It can also cause the baby to be overweight at the time of birth and even lead to birth defects.

How to Reduce BMI Safely for Overweight Individuals?

The very first step in reducing your BMI, and hence the risk of health problems is to track it regularly. It is essential to know the BMI before you begin your weight loss journey. Apply the following BMI formula to know your weight category:

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m²)

Co-relate the result with the BMI chart. Whether using an online BMI calculator or doing the math manually, ensure to note the values in one place to get a comprehensive picture of your weight change. It is to be noted that the BMI calculator for overweight men and the BMI calculator for overweight women are the same, as the BMI formula remains the same for both.

Here is how you can reduce BMI if you are overweight:

Eat a Balanced Diet: A healthy and balanced diet ensures that your body receives all the necessary nutrients, without one overpowering the other.

Portion Control: If you manage your portion size, you can avoid overeating and reduce excessive calorie intake.

Exercise Regularly: Keeping your body active helps burn calories and boost metabolism. Build a fitness regime by incorporating strength training, cardio exercises or a sport into your daily routine.

Ensure Good Quality Sleep: Sleeping well is crucial for adults since poor quality sleep can disrupt hunger hormones, leading to increased intake of high-calorie foods. Ensure an undisturbed sleep of at least 7 to 9 hours daily.

Manage Stress: Activities like meditation, stretching and deep breathing help to reduce stress, resulting in decreased cortisol production and less weight gain.

Stay Consistent: You must stay regular with your weight loss efforts. The results may show up slowly, but with consistency and patience, you will be able to safely reduce your BMI and achieve a normal weight.

Consult the Health Expert: If you keep on gaining weight despite creating a calorie deficit and burning calories, you must seek professional health advice from a doctor.

FAQs

Q1. What is your BMI if you are overweight?

Ans: If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9, you fall into the overweight category.
Q2. What is normal weight obesity?

Ans: Normal weight obesity refers to a condition where your BMI is in the normal range or your weight is healthy per BMI, but you have a high body fat percentage. Normal weight obesity is as harmful as traditional obesity, putting you at increased risk of severe health problems.
Q3. What are the two main causes of obesity?

Ans: Weight gain happens when the calorie intake is more than the calorie spent. The two main causes of obesity are unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle with little or no physical activity. It can also be due to certain medications, sleep deprivation or genetics.
Q4. How to calculate BMI when pregnant?

Ans: The BMI for a pregnant woman is calculated in a similar manner as for anyone else, as the BMI formula is universal. However, the amount of weight a pregnant woman should gain depends on her pre-pregnancy BMI, making it a critical aspect to maintain throughout the pregnancy.
Q5. Which disease is caused by being overweight?

Ans: Being overweight can cause several health risks like diabetes, high blood pressure, increased bad cholesterol levels, heart diseases, strokes, kidney problems, fatty liver, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, mental health problems, etc.
Q6. What are the best foods to eat when overweight?

Ans: If you are overweight, your diet must include high-fibre foods, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins. Ensure to include whole foods like fruits and whole grains to get complete nutrients yet fewer calories.

FAQs

Q1. What is your BMI if you are overweight?

Q2. What is normal weight obesity?

Q3. What are the two main causes of obesity?

Q4. How to calculate BMI when pregnant?

Q5. Which disease is caused by being overweight?

Q6. What are the best foods to eat when overweight?