How to determine the normal size of body?

At this day in age there is a lot of talk about weight and appearances. Many people believe themselves to be overweight. But there is a difference between feeling underweight or overweight and being it. To be sure that you are on the right path healthwise, you need to know your BMI ( Body Mass Index) .To determine whether or not one has a ‘normal’ size, the BMI comes in handy. In the following articles you will learn about BMI, being underweight and overweight and what you can do to get into shape.

How to calculate your BMI
Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated by measuring a person’s body weight in kilograms ( 1 pound = 0.45359237 kilograms) and then dividing the weight by the individual’s height in square meters (1 foot = 0.3048 meters ). For example an individual weighing 60 kg with a height of 1.63 meters has a BMI of 60 / (1.63)2 = 22.58. With the outcome we can determine whether or not a person is overweight.

Once you have calculated your BMI you will fall under a certain category. These categories run from underweight to morbidly obese. With this information you can decide what the reasons are for your size and what you can do to lose or gain weight if needed. Being underweight

Having a BMI below 18.5 is considered being underweight. An individual in this category is unhealthy and needs to take actions immediately before his or her condition results in dangerous side effects and even death. There are certain factors which influence and bring forth being underweight.

Causes for being underweight :

• Socio-economic conditions:
  • Poverty
  • Famine
  • Repeated natural calamities
  • Marasmus (Protein Energy Malnutrition)
• Physiological & Psychological conditions
  • Anorexia in Pregnancy
  • Anorexia Nervosa
  • Bulimia Nervosa
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Prolonged work-out (endurance sports)
  • Work-load
• Pathological conditions
  • Cancer cachexia
  • Tuberculosis
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1)
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Genetically deficient of certain Enzymes
  • AIDS
  • Chronic illness
• Cultural and religious conditions
  • Certain cultures or religions have restrictions when it comes down to nutrition
  • In some rituals there are restrictions for certain food items
• Other
  • Drug abuse
  • Stimulant use
  • Wrong or incomplete information
  • Physical or mental torture