BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measurement of body fat which is related to the risk of disease and death. BMI is based on height and weight that applies to both men and women between the ages of 18 and 65 years. BMI can be used to indicate if you are underweight, normal, overweight or obese.
Body Mass Index
BMI | Weight Status |
---|---|
Below 18.5 | Underweight |
18.5 - 24.9 | Normal |
25.0 - 29.9 | Overweight |
30.0 and Above | Obese |
Understanding Your BMI
There are some limits and it can vary by sex, race and age.
- 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.
- At the same BMI, women tend to have more body fat than men.
There are additional risk factors to consider:
- 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 overweight or obese and have two or more risk factors. A small weight loss (just 10 % of your current weight) will help to lower your risk of developing diseases associated with obesity. Talk to your doctor if you think you are at an increased.
A healthy weight is determined by different factors for each of us.