Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation derived from a persons height and weight to ascertain a persons body fat. BMI provides an accurate and reliable indicator of body fat and can be a good gauge of the potential for weight related health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. A BMI of 24 or less is considered healthy, and a BMI of 25+ is overweight. Your health risks increase the higher the BMI.
|
Disease Risk Associated to BMI and Waist Size |
| BMI |
|
Waist Same or Smaller
40 in. (men) or
35 in. (women) |
Waist Larger Than
40 in. (men) or
35 in. (women) |
| 18.5 or less |
Underweight |
N/A |
N/A |
| 18.5 - 24.9 |
Normal |
low |
low |
| 25.0 - 29.9 |
Overweight |
Increased |
High |
| 30.0 - 34.9 |
Obese |
High |
Very High |
| 35.0 - 39.9 |
Very Obese |
Very High |
Very High |
| 40 or greater |
Extremely Obese |
Extremely High |
Extremely High |
|
