Putting foot on weighing scales 3840 2160

How to check yourself for a healthy weight

Putting foot on weighing scales 3840 2160

Eating well is more than just a pleasure, it’s a necessity. Both your body and your brain rely on nutrient-rich foods to function properly. Given the current crisis, your normal routine has been disrupted. You’re not going out for groceries as often, and when you do, certain foods may be in short supply. It’s important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet by adjusting your meals, by using, as much as possible, the foods that are healthy and available. If you are managing on very little, the risk of losing weight is very real. Here’s a self-screening tool to use to asses if you have a healthy weight.

Your Body Mass Index or BMI can be used to quickly assess your bodyweight

Malnourishment is a state that occurs when the body is supplied with less than the minimum amount of the nutrients that are essential to maintain health. When malnutrition is suspected in adults a health professional will often measure the patient’s BMI. A BMI which is less than 18.5 may suggest malnutrition while a BMI which is less than 20 may suggest that someone is relatively underweight and at an increased risk of becoming malnourished.

How to check yourself for a healthy weight

Nutricia self check bmi 3840 2160

The formula is BMI = kg/m2 where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m2 is their height in meters squared.

If your BMI is below 20, if you notice lessening appetite or if you experience that you are losing weight unintentionally you should contact your doctor.

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Good diet good health

Sometimes our ability to eat well is challenged by events out of our control; the Coronavirus pandemic is one of those times. Read more on how to continue eating well and enjoying good food.

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How to protect yourself and vulnerable around you

If you are a carer and in contact with older people or patients, it is even more important to responsibly safeguard your health, since together we can limit the spread of the Coronavirus.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical guidelines. Always follow advice given by your healthcare provider or your national and local public health authority. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your healthcare professional.