The BMI is a measure of your weight relative to your height.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI is a reliable indicator of total body fat, which is related to the risk of disease and death. The score is valid for both men and women but it does have some limits. The limits are:

• It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.
• It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass.
• Appropriate weight gain during pregnancy varies and depends upon initial body weight or BMI level.  Pregnant women should contact a health professional to assure appropriate weight gain during pregnancy. 

Underweight  Below  18.5 Normal 18.5 - 24.9 Overweight 25.0 - 29.9 Obese 30.0 - 39.9 Morbid Obesity 40.0 and Above

 

 

Besides being overweight or obese, there are additional risk factors to consider.

 

 

RISK FACTORS
high blood pressure (hypertension) high LDL-cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) low HDL-cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) high triglycerides high blood glucose (sugar) family history of premature heart disease physical inactivity cigarette smoking

For people who are considered obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30) or those who are overweight (BMI of 25 to 29.9) and have two or more risk factors, the guidelines recommend weight loss. Even a small weight loss (just 10 percent of your current weight) will help to lower your risk of developing diseases associated with obesity. Patients who are overweight, do not have a high waist measurement, and have less than 2 risk factors may need to prevent further weight gain rather than lose weight.

People who are overweight or obese have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or other lipid disorders, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, and even a small weight loss (just 10 percent of your current weight) will help to lower your risk of developing those diseases.