What is BMI?

The body mass index (BMI), is a statistical measurement which compares a person’s weight and height that applies to both men and women between ages of 18 and 65.

Though it does not actually measure the percentage of body fat, it is used to estimate a healthy body weight based on how tall a person is.

Due to its ease of measurement and calculation, it is the most widely used diagnostic tool to identify weight problems within a population, usually whether individuals are underweight, overweight or obese. It was invented between 1830 and 1850 by the Belgian polymath Adolphe Quetelet during the course of developing ‘social physics’. Body mass index is defi ned as the individual’s body weight divided by the square of his or her height.

A healthy BMI score is between 20 and 25. A score below 20 indicates that you may be underweight; a value above 25 indicates that you may be overweight.

Please remember, however, that this is only one of many possible ways to assess your weight. If you have any concerns about your weight, please discuss them with your doctor, who is in a position, unlike this BMI calculator, to address your specific individual situation.

 

 

Balancing Act

When you feel your life is packed with so much stuff that balance seems to be an unachievable goal, the first thing you need to do is take a step back. Ask yourself if you are doing things because you want to or because you think you should. Working towards someone else’s standards can mean that life feels like hard work because your heart is not in it. You also risk looking back with regret.

 

If you don’t know what you want, take time for reflection. Step out of your usual surroundings, making it easier to concentrate on yourself, and think of the things you’ve done, asking yourself what you have enjoyed and what you have disliked. Then break it down into smaller components. Ask yourself, “What little things are important to me?” Applying that question to life, work and relationships is a good way to work out your core values, whether they are friendship, love, success, challenges, fun, harmony, authenticity or learning

The 10 top foods for weight loss

 

1. Beans

They’ re low in fat and packed with protein, fibre andiron nutrients for building muscle and losing weight.

2. Frozen berries, grapes or bananas

Refreshing, satisfying and nutritious, they taste ‘smooth’ just like many fat filled desserts.

3. Apples

Contains pectin, a form of fibre that makes you feel fuller for longer.

4. Oats

Contains soluble fi bre which stays in your stomach longer than insoluble fibre.

5. Spinach and other green veggies

They’re fi bre rich with high water content, so will fill your stomach. Use in a sandwich or stir fry with fresh garlic and a splash of olive oil.

6. Whole grain

You crave carbs because your body needs them. You should check if your cereal is whole grain – the packaging should read “Wholegrains contain at least 2 grams of fibre per serving”.

7. Peanut Butter

Yes, it is not on the low kilojoule list but is packed with heart healthy monounsaturated fats that increase your body’s production of testosterone which can help melt fat and build muscle. Three teaspoons a day is beneficial without overdosing on the fat.

8. Olive or flax seed oil

These cause the stomach to retain food for longer – so drizzle one tablespoon on salads.

9. Almonds

Perfect packages of protein, fat and fibre

10. Lean meat and fish

Essential for developing lean muscle mass and regulating hormones that control your appetite and help you burn kilojoules.