Obesity BMI Calculator – How do I recognize overweight?

The Body Mass Index (BMI) compares body weight and height and thus calculates your approximate weight class such as normal weight or obesity .

However, it should be noted that BMI is a rough guide, as it does not take into account fat , muscle size, or individual factors.

Nevertheless, it can help you classify your weight. It is relevant whether your weight and your BMI correspond to a degree of obesity.

Because severe obesity is a risk factor for further, serious diseases.

With this article, we would like to provide you with an indication of what the BMI says about your health .

Calculate BMI – How do I know if I am overweight?

Underweight, normal weight or obesity? The Body Mass Index, or BMI for short, gives a rough indication of how healthy or unhealthy your body weight is. The ratio of height and weight is relevant.

You can calculate the BMI using the following formula: Body weight in kilograms, divided by body height in meters squared.

The World Health Organization maintains a division into different weight classes of adults. ^​1​

However, what the Body Mass Index does not include is muscle mass and body fat. For sporty people, the calculated value may therefore be inaccurate .

The male BMI scale is higher than the female BMI scale. This is because men usually develop more muscle mass than women.

How many kilos am I overweight?

In the case of overweight, in addition to the distribution of body fat, the ratio of fat and muscle mass is particularly relevant. In addition, body fat can accumulate in different places.

To make the subdivision a little clearer, here is an example: A woman with a height of 1.70 meters is less than 50 kilograms underweight. However, this would be the normal weight for women with 1.60 meters height.

In our example, normal weight varies between 54 and 72 kilograms (for 1.70 meters of height).

Obesity, on the other hand, occurs when the specified range of normal weight is exceeded. If you weigh 80 kilograms or more, you would be slightly overweight in our case. The BMI here is 27.7 and, at eight kilograms above the normal range, just below the obesity grade I range.

To know how many kilograms you are overweight, you first need to know your reference value for your height .

When do I have obesity?

The German Obesity Society divides obesity into three grades .

A 1.70 -metre tall woman with a BMI of 25 or above is slightly overweight or grade I obesity .

With a value of more than 30 for grade II obesity and a BMI of 40 or more, this is referred to as grade III obesity .

With obesity grade II, there is already a significantly increased risk of chronic diseases , such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes .

To name a few concrete figures: In Germany, around 43% of women are overweight and 14.3% suffer from obesity. ^​2​

But overweight is also becoming increasingly common in children and adolescents. For example, a study by the Robert Koch Institute found that around 15% of children between the ages of 3 and 7 in Germany are overweight. ^​3​

If the weight is above the recommended range, this should be clarified with a pediatrician.

What can I do about my excess weight?

Obesity can be influenced by genetic factors . At VERIVAL, we recommend a healthy diet to feel completely comfortable and healthy in your own body.

A change in diet lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and increases success in losing weight .

Less sugar , more fruits and vegetables and filling carbohydrates in moderation make up these. Foods like chia seeds and oats can help you eat a sugar-free diet and make it easier for you to have a sugar-free breakfast .

In addition, chia seeds are particularly rich in protein, which is needed to build muscle. Oatmeal also provides protein and satiates. In combination, they result in a delicious, healthy breakfast that can also be easily integrated into a stressful everyday life.

In addition to a healthy diet, exercise is also important to lose excess weight. Moderate fitness in the form of endurance and strength training can be fun once you've found the right sport for you.