Scientifically measure weight and BMI, and be aware of the health risks of being underweight.

Is she fat or not?

Measure it and calculate it.

Weight loss is always a hot topic, especially among women. One of the most discussed topics is how to lose weight, or how to become thinner-being thin is always a "major" issue for women, and weight loss advertisements targeting women are endless. But how exactly is obesity defined? Is there a simple and reasonable measurement standard?

How to calculate your ideal weight

What is ideal weight? Ideal weight is an important indicator of a person's health and physical condition; being overweight or underweight is not desirable. There is a general formula for calculating ideal weight:

Generally, if a person's weight fluctuates within about 10% of the standard weight, it is considered to be within the normal range.

When weighing yourself, remember to take off your shoes and heavy clothes.

BMI helps you determine if your weight is reasonable.

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a standard for measuring whether a person's weight is normal. It is widely used and recognized by experts mainly because it is simple and practical to measure and can reflect overall overweight and obesity.

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²

The assessment standards vary slightly from country to country or region to region. However, BMI is not suitable for everyone. The following groups are not suitable for it: ① Under 18 years old; ② Athletes; ③ Those who are doing weight training; ④ Pregnant or breastfeeding women; ⑤ Elderly people who are frail or sedentary.

Fun Facts

BMI also has disadvantages

While BMI measures a person's overall weight status, it has limitations: it doesn't account for body fat percentage. This means that someone with a BMI in the overweight range may not be obese. For example, people who exercise regularly have a large proportion of muscle mass, and their BMI may be above the normal range, but their body fat percentage may be low. Therefore, other measurement standards, such as waist circumference, are needed.

Waist circumference can measure the distribution of body fat.

Besides BMI, another commonly used and representative method for assessing abdominal fat is waist circumference. It's a good way to determine the degree of visceral obesity, reflecting the total amount and distribution of body fat. Generally, the higher the waist circumference, the greater the health risk. A waist circumference greater than 85cm for men and greater than 80cm for women is considered obese. So, how do you scientifically measure waist circumference?

Measurement methods

1. Remove the clothing covering your waist, stand comfortably, and let your arms hang naturally at your sides.

2. Place the measuring tape between the upper part of the hip bone and the lower part of the chest cavity.

3. Measure your waist circumference after exhaling.

Being underweight can also lead to health problems.

Affects fertility

Adipose tissue can promote an increase in estrogen levels. Under normal circumstances, a woman's body fat percentage should be at least 17% to maintain a normal menstrual cycle and libido. This is also the minimum fat standard for a healthy pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Too little body fat can affect estrogen levels, thereby impacting a woman's fertility.

gallstones

In underweight individuals, insufficient calorie intake leads to accelerated consumption of body fat, increased cholesterol levels in bile, and thickened bile, resulting in crystal precipitation and the formation of gallstones.

anemia

Underweight individuals are prone to nutritional imbalances, often lacking essential blood-forming substances such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Their basal metabolic rate is also lower than average, resulting in slower gastrointestinal motility and reduced gastric acid secretion, all of which hinder nutrient absorption. These are the main causes of anemia.

Osteoporosis

People who are underweight have insufficient estrogen levels, which can affect the binding of calcium to bones, leading to decreased bone density and making them more prone to osteoporosis and fractures.

other

In addition, being underweight can lead to hematuria, duodenal congestion, memory decline (the brain's main energy source comes from fat stimulation), and hair loss.

Obesity Quiz

Among categories A through F, the category you belong to is the one with the most "yes" answers. If two categories have the same number of "yes" answers, then you belong to a combination of those two categories.

Test Analysis

Category A: Overeating

Controlling your diet is key. Eating a piece of fruit or drinking a large glass of water before meals can effectively reduce food intake. Be fully aware of the threat that calorie accumulation poses.

Category B: Food-based venting

To learn how to regulate your emotions, you can absorb more positive energy through activities such as listening to music, reading, traveling, and meditation.

Category C: Unscientific Diet

Learn to calculate the calories in your food, rearrange your diet plan, chew slowly, and eat more whole grains and vegetables.

Type D: Genotype

Science shows that obesity is hereditary, but don't be discouraged. With a reasonable diet, moderate exercise, and patience, you will definitely lose weight.

Category E: Lack of physical activity

Exercise is the best catalyst for weight loss. Take a one-hour walk every day to get the fat-burning process started!

Type F: Metabolic Insufficiency

If the body's metabolism is insufficient, it will lead to the accumulation of water and fat, causing obesity.