aging and bmi

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is widely used to determine if a person is at the right weight, taking as a reference the height of the person. This equation has been criticized by several specialists, since it does not take into account important factors such as body composition, age, sex or muscle mass, and the results obtained can be inaccurate to determine whether the person's weight is adequate or not.

This does not exempt this resource from its usefulness as a reference when it comes to creating a perspective on how healthy our weight is. It is true that its result is inaccurate, but it allows us to perform a basic control when it comes to keep us in an average range of adequate weight.

During the course of the third age, we must take care to maintain a healthy weight, since overweight is one of the major risk factors in the appearance of various diseases that threaten our quality of life. During the development of this guide we will be addressing some of the basic elements that revolve around the Body Mass Index (BMI) and its relationship with the elderly, delving into the importance of maintaining a healthy weight during our old age.

Maintaining a healthy weight in old age

During old age, we are more exposed to suffer from various diseases related to age and weight. Taking care of our physical condition is determinant in facing diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, which threaten the health of our heart and circulatory system. Being overweight is detrimental to our motor skills, since the heavier we are, the greater the impact it will have on the load that our bone structure must support.

Older adults should maintain a healthy BMI to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. A healthy BMI for an older adult is considered to be between 18.5 and 24.9. A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight, while a BMI above 24.9 is considered overweight.

They should also maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain an adequate weight. The diet should include nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Regular exercise can help maintain muscle mass and bone mass, which can contribute to maintaining a healthy BMI.

Things to consider during aging

During old age, our body undergoes several changes that should be taken into account when guided by the Body Mass Index (BMI). Among the factors that we see affected in an older adult are muscle mass, bone mass and body fat, all of which have a great impact on the result that our BMI will show.

Another important point to watch out for when calculating BMI in older adults is the medication they take. Many blood pressure medications can cause weight gain. If an older adult is taking medications that can affect weight, they should talk to their doctor about how they can control their weight and maintain a healthy BMI.

As we age, our metabolism slows down, making weight loss more complex than in youth, so we must be disciplined and maintain a healthy routine to ensure that our weight is on track. Eat balanced meals, avoiding saturated fats and refined carbohydrates. Link your eating plan with regular physical activity, staying away from sedentary lifestyles and harmful vices such as smoking and alcohol, and it will be much easier to regulate your weight.