BMI Index
The BMI index is helpful in determining if someone is overweight.
This index has replaced the ideal height weight charts for adults. The chart below assesses the risk of disease by using both the BMI index and the waist circumference.
| Classification of Overweight and Obesity by BMI, Waist Circumference,
and Associated Disease Risks | | - | Disease Risk * Relative
to Normal Weight and
Waist Circumference | | - | BMI
(kg/m2) | Obesity
Class | Men 102 cm
(40 inches
or less) | Men › 102 cm
(40 inches) | | Women 88 cm
(35 inches
or less) | Women › 88 cm
(35 inches) | | Underweight | ‹ 18.5 | - | - | - | | Normal | 18.5 - 24.9 | - | - | - | | Overweight | 25.0 - 29.9 | - | Increased | High | | Obesity | 30.0 - 34.9 | I | High | Very High | | - | 35.0 - 39.9 | II | Very High | Very High | | Extreme
Obesity | 40.0 + | III | Extremely
High | Extremely
High | * DISEASE RISK for TYPE 2 DIABETES, HYPERTENSION, and CVD.
+ Increased waist circumference can also be a marker for increased risk even in persons of normal weight.
BMI LIMITATIONS: 1. Can overestimate body fat in the very muscular
2. Can underestimate body fat in the frail (elderly, etc)
SOURCE: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
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If Your BMI Is Above Normal
(25 or Greater) ...
|
You may have an increased risk of developing certain diseases or conditions that include:
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Dyslipidemia
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Sleep Apnea
- Osteoarthritis
- Female Infertility
- Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
- Lower Extremity Venous Stasis Disease
- Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Urinary Stress Incontinence
|
Research
- Outcome Measures in Obesity: The Evidence. Obesity Research, 2002
Related Links
American Obesity Association
Health Effects of Obesity - by American Obesity Association
BMI Index for Children and Teens - Center for Disease Control
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This page was last updated on 03/08/08.
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