How can you calculate your ideal weight?

You've probably wondered whether you're too heavy or too light for your height. It's a concept that comes up often, but is rarely explored in depth: your ideal weight. It's a personal topic to discuss, and quite a complex one. It's about our health and has a direct link to our life expectancy. The word “ideal” also means something different to everyone. But when it comes to health, calculating your ideal weight is a handle on a healthier lifestyle. In this blog we go into it in more detail, so you can calculate your ideal weight.

What is your ideal weight?

It's important that you feel good in your own skin, whatever your weight. But if you want to know exactly what the ideal weight is for your build, the quickest way to check whether you're at a healthy weight is to calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index). This depends on a number of factors, such as age, sex, height, body type and how active you are.

Your height and weight are set against each other and a score is calculated. This is your BMI score, and it's an indication of your healthy, ideal weight. Do you want to know down to the last detail whether your weight is ideal? Then you can also measure your waist circumference. This shows where your body stores fat. For example, if you get a perfect score but have a lot of belly fat, you can still run health risks. So it's also important to take this into account when calculating your ideal weight.

How to calculate your ideal weight

You can find your ideal weight by calculating your BMI (Body Mass Index). This gives you a BMI score, which to a certain extent determines whether you're at a healthy weight. But how do you calculate your BMI? To calculate your ideal weight, you use this formula: divide your weight in kilograms by your height squared. That's how you can calculate your ideal weight. So:

• BMI (Body Mass Index) = (Weight in kilograms) / (Height in metres)²

Now you have a BMI score, but you still don't know whether you're at a healthy weight or not. Below we explain which score means you are underweight, a normal weight, overweight or obese.

Do you have a healthy BMI?

For adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 25 is healthy. This applies to both women and men. You can interpret your BMI score as follows:

• A BMI lower than 18.5: underweight

• A BMI from 18.5 to 25: normal

• A BMI from 25 to 30: overweight

• A BMI higher than 30: obese

So for your health, it's important to keep your BMI between 18.5 and 25. If your BMI is below 18.5, you are underweight. In that case, it's important not to lose any more weight and to gain muscle mass. Increase your daily intake of calories. Eat enough, eat healthy and eat a varied diet. That's how you reach your ideal weight.

If your BMI is above 25, you are overweight. In that case, it's important to look for an effective way to lose weight. Our meals contain the right nutrients to fuel and support your body during your weight-loss process. Also exercise enough to burn calories and work towards your ideal weight.