What
is Body Mass Index and what does it mean?
BMI is the ratio between weight and height. It is based on
a mathematical formula that divides your weight in kilograms
by your height in meters squared. (BMI=kg/m 2).
We thought you'd rather we do the calculation for you! BMI
is generally thought to be a better predictor of disease risk
than body weight alone for most people. It doesn't work as
well for competitive athletes and body builders, whose BMI
is high due to a relatively larger amount of muscle, women
who are pregnant or nursing, children, nor sedentary elderly
persons.
BMI
Category
Health
Risk Based
Solely On BMI
Risk
Adjusted for the Presence of Comorbid
Conditions and/or Risk Factors
19-24
Minimal
Low
25-26
Low
Moderate
27-29
Moderate
High
30-34
High
Very
High
35-39
Very
High
Extremly
High
40+
Extremly
High
Extremly
High
If your
BMI is high, you may have an increased risk of developing
certain diseases, including hypertension, cardiovascular
disease, adult-onset diabetes, and many other conditions.
It is important that you develop a program of healthy eating,
exercise and weight loss to prevent further weight gain
and to lose excess weight. It is recommended that you see
your physician for a thorough evaluation of your health
risk.
It doesn't take a lot to do a lot of good. A reduction of
only 5% reduction from your current weight is beneficial!
A 5'2" female who weighs 150 pounds (BMI=27) who loses just
7 pounds will reduce her BMI to 26!
Yes, the temptation is to do a "quickie" diet, but you know,
it is likely you'll gain it all back unless you change your
lifestyle! To lose weight you need to burn more calories
than you consume, and that means healthy eating and exercise!
Warning:
The Surgeon General has determined that inactivity is harmful
to your health.
