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What is
Body Mass Index (BMI)? |
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| Body Mass Index (BMI) is a
number calculated from a person�s weight and height. BMI is one of the
most accurate measures of a healthy weight range. The BMI calculator
uses weight and height to indicate your body fat and gauge your health
risks. BMI is an easy-to-perform method of screening for weight
categories that may lead to health problems. |
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How is BMI used? |
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| BMI is used as a screening
tool to identify possible weight problems for adults. However, BMI is
not a diagnostic tool. For example, a person may have a high BMI.
However, to determine if excess weight is a health risk, a healthcare
provider would need to perform further assessments. These assessments
might include skin-fold thickness measurements, evaluations of diet,
physical activity, family history, and other appropriate health
screenings. |
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How is BMI calculated
and interpreted? |
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| To calculate your BMI,
divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, then
multiply the results by a conversion factor of 703. For someone who is 5
feet 5 inches tall (65 inches) and weighs 150 pounds, the calculation
would look like this: [150 � (65)2] x 703 = 24.96. |
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Interpretation of BMI
for adults |
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| For adults 20 years old and
older, BMI is interpreted using standard weight status categories that
are the same for all ages and for both men and women. |
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| The standard weight status categories
associated with BMI ranges for adults are shown in the following table.
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BMI
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Weight Status |
| Below 18.5 |
Underweight |
| 18.5 � 24.9 |
Normal |
| 25.0 � 29.9 |
Overweight
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| 30.0 and Above |
Obese |
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How reliable is BMI as
an indicator of body fatness? |
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| The correlation between the
BMI number and body fatness is fairly strong; however the correlation
varies by sex, race, and age. These variations include the following
examples: |
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- At the same BMI, women tend to have
more body fat than men.
- At the same BMI, older people, on
average, tend to have more body fat than younger adults.
- Highly trained athletes may have a
high BMI because of increased muscularity rather than increased body
fatness.
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What are the health
consequences of overweight and obesity for adults? |
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| The BMI ranges are based on
the relationship between body weight and disease and death. Overweight
and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases and health
conditions, including the following: |
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- Hypertension
- Dyslipidemia (for example, high LDL
cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and
colon)
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Get Yourself
Screened for BMI Now! |