Ideal weight: How do you calculate your ideal weight?
What is my ideal weight for my height? How do I calculate my ideal weight? How do I get back to my healthy weight? Find out everything you need to know about the ideal weight and the recommendations of specialists.
As we know, the weight displayed on the scale does not necessarily mean much. However, each person has their own weight of figure, and it is recommended to keep it, or at least to approach it according to the different periods of their life... And here are all the answers to the questions you are asking yourself . Ask yourself what this "ideal" weight is, and the advice of our nutritionists to maintain it over the long term!
Healthy weight, ideal weight: what is it?
An ideal weight is one in which we feel "comfortable", allowing us to be healthy (as opposed to being overweight or obese, which puts us at risk for certain diseases), have the energy to move around as we please. , to be as efficient mentally (thinking and concentration are easy), and to be socially comfortable, good in body and mind.
"More than a very precise weight, the fitness weight corresponds above all to a range, which will be specific to each person, because it will take into account many parameters, and may evolve over the course of life", explains Grégoire Montigny, dietitian. .
"Warning, a healthy weight is not synonymous with being thin, you can be plump and have your healthy weight!" , I would like to point out to Auror Calais, dietitian.
At what age do you reach your ideal weight?
In theory, the ideal weight is reached at the end of growth, generally around 21 or 22 years old, explains the auror Calais.
But as nutritionist Maureen Leclerc reminds us, a person's basic metabolism can vary throughout their life, depending on various factors (starting or stopping physical activity, hormonal changes, pregnancy, emotional disorders, stopping tobacco, etc). Due to this, the shape of the point is likely to change and develop, especially in women at the time of menopause, under the influence of hormones.
Ideal weight: How do you calculate your BMI?
No, it is not enough to subtract the number 10 from your height to find your ideal weight, which we still often hear, deplores Grégoire Montigny, who recalls that there is no scientific basis in this supposed formula.
On the other hand, body mass index (BMI) is a good criterion, which is also endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
To calculate your BMI, simply divide your weight (in kilograms) by the square of your height (in centimeters): for example, if you weigh 58 kilograms and your height is 165 centimeters, you will calculate your BMI from this method: 58/ (1.65 x 1.65) = 58 / 2.72 = 21.32.
What is my ideal weight for my height?
People with a BMI between 18.5 and 25 are considered "normal weight". A person with a BMI over 25 is considered obese, and a person with a BMI over 30 is considered obese. Finally, a BMI of less than 18.5 is synonymous with being underweight (skinny).
“BMI is a relatively reliable calculation, but it has a downside: it doesn't take gender or weight into account. Take for example the case of a man who weighs 86 kg against 1 m 86, an athlete. The BMI is 25, which seems High, but mainly due to the fact that a person is quite athletic and probably has a rather low fat percentage. And the numbers and parameters always put it into perspective, you are unique!” warns the dietitian.
The same observation is made by Maureen Leclerc, who recalls that a person with a healthy weight corresponding to a BMI of 26 is considered overweight, if one refers to his BMI. “But in the absence of health problems, with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, there is no reason to want to make this weight a norm, to the detriment of restrictive diets so dangerous for health. , an elderly person A person will be considered in better health with a body mass index close to 25 compared to a BMI close to 18.5. There is therefore no ideal model in terms of healthy weight! she.
How to maintain or regain a healthy weight?
To maintain your weight over the long term, it's no secret: a balanced and varied diet over the seasons, and regular physical activity are essential to maintain this weight at which you feel fit, healthy and healthy. healthy.
Sleeping well is also essential to keep that weight in shape, and learning how to manage daily stress can help a lot too!
For Grégoire Montigny, the Mediterranean diet appears to be the most interesting diet to date for maintaining good health. Also called the Cretan diet, the Mediterranean diet consists mainly of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, olive oil, fish and nuts.
By focusing on this type of daily diet, choosing fresh, seasonal and unprocessed products, and hydrating yourself throughout the day, you give yourself every chance of maintaining your healthy weight and staying healthy. healthy !
Another golden rule to follow, recalls Maureen Leclerc: Listen to your body.
"Wanting at all costs to force your body to reach an 'ideal' weight following deprivation or dieting is counterproductive. The body will always want to return to a weight that makes it feel good. In addition, these behaviors end up disrupting health." The weight tends to increase little by little!” warns the dietician.