To help Suki determine if she is in a healthy weight range for her size and age, we can first calculate her Body Mass Index (BMI) and then discuss her daily caloric intake needs.
Step 1: Calculate Suki's BMI
The formula for calculating BMI is:
\[ \text{BMI} = \frac{\text{weight in pounds}}{(\text{height in inches})^2} \times 703 \]
-
Weight: Suki's weight is 150 pounds.
-
Height: Suki's height is 5 feet 3 inches. To convert this into inches:
- 5 feet = 5 × 12 = 60 inches
- Plus 3 inches = 60 + 3 = 63 inches
Now we plug in the values:
\[ \text{BMI} = \frac{150}{(63)^2} \times 703 \]
Calculating \( (63)^2 \):
\[ (63)^2 = 3969 \]
Now, substituting back:
\[ \text{BMI} = \frac{150}{3969} \times 703 \approx 26.7 \]
Step 2: Interpretation of BMI
According to the CDC classification, BMI categories are as follows:
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
- Obesity: BMI 30 or greater
With a BMI of approximately 26.7, Suki falls into the overweight category. She should discuss her weight with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and potential weight management strategies.
Step 3: Estimated Daily Caloric Intake
To maintain her current weight, we can estimate Suki's daily caloric needs using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, which considers age, gender, height, and weight. However, since her gender is not specified, I'll provide the equation for both male and female:
-
Mifflin-St Jeor Equation (Men):
\[ \text{BMR} = 10 \times \text{weight (kg)} + 6.25 \times \text{height (cm)} - 5 \times \text{age (years)} + 5 \]
-
Mifflin-St Jeor Equation (Women):
\[ \text{BMR} = 10 \times \text{weight (kg)} + 6.25 \times \text{height (cm)} - 5 \times \text{age (years)} - 161 \]
Convert Suki's weight and height:
- Weight in kg: 150 pounds / 2.205 = approximately 68.18 kg
- Height in cm: 63 inches × 2.54 = approximately 160 cm
Using the equation for women:
\[ \text{BMR} = 10 \times 68.18 + 6.25 \times 160 - 5 \times 40 - 161 \]
Calculating:
- \( 10 \times 68.18 = 681.8 \)
- \( 6.25 \times 160 = 1000 \)
- \( 5 \times 40 = 200 \)
So,
\[ \text{BMR} = 681.8 + 1000 - 200 - 161 = 1320.8 \]
Next, we need to multiply the BMR by an activity factor to determine total daily caloric needs. Common multipliers are:
- Sedentary (little or no exercise): BMR × 1.2
- Lightly active (light exercise/sports 1-3 days a week): BMR × 1.375
- Moderately active (moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days a week): BMR × 1.55
- Very active (hard exercise/sports 6-7 days a week): BMR × 1.725
- Extra active (very hard exercise, physical job, or training twice a day): BMR × 1.9
Assuming Suki is moderately active, her caloric needs can be calculated as follows:
\[ \text{Total Calories} = BMR \times 1.55 = 1320.8 \times 1.55 \approx 2047.24 \]
Conclusion
Summary for Suki:
- BMI: Approximately 26.7 (overweight category)
- Daily Caloric Intake to maintain weight: Approximately 2047 calories, depending on her activity level.
It's important for Suki to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to consider factors like muscle mass and overall health in addition to weight and BMI.