Defing the Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to determine whether a person is underweight, overweight or obese. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. (BMI=kg/m squared).
A BMI of: 18.5 or less is considered underweight; 18.5 through 24.9 is considered normal; 25 through 29.9 is considered overweight and 30 or higher is considered obese.
BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes and people who have muscular builds. BMI may underestimate body fat in seniors and those who have lost muscle mass.
Waist circumference also plays a role in determining a person’s risk for developing obesity-associated diseases. A waist of 40 inches or more in men and 35 inches or more in women increases the risk.
Some diseases and conditions as well as lifestyle also increase the risk.
For a BMI calculator, go to the bottom of the page at www.consumer.gov/weightloss/bmi.htm
Source: National Heart , Lung and Blood Institute Web site |
