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Body Mass Index

Body mass index, or BMI, is a new term to most people. However, it is the measurement of choice for many physicians and researchers studying obesity. BMI uses a mathematical formula that takes into account both a person's height and weight. BMI equals a person's weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. (BMI=kg/m2).

Test Your Body Mass Index

Why know your BMI?
As you set personal goals on the way to changing how you look and feel, your BMI can serve as an accurate indicator of overall well-being. A high BMI can be associated with serious health risks including:

  • Obesity
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer

What your results mean
Your BMI provides a helpful guideline for achieving the weight range that's healthiest for you. Based on your BMI results, we encourage you to explore your personal path to healthier living with the help of our nutrition consultants. Our Consultants are wellness consultants dedicated to helping people change their lives, both through powerful one-on-one support and good nutrition made simple!

According to the American Governmental guidelines, assessment of overweight involves using three key measures:

  • Body mass index (BMI)
  • Waist circumference, and
  • Risk factors for diseases and conditions associated with obesity

1. Body Mass Risk

Below 18.5 Underweight Consult us for the weight gain program
18.5 to 24.9 Normal weight Consult us for the weight maintenance program
25 and 29.9 Overweight Consult us for the weigh loss program
30 to 40 Very overweight Urgently, Consult us for the personalized weigh loss program
Above 40 Obesity
Significantly overweight 		High Risk, You have to act now, Consult us for the  special nutrition program

2. Waist Circumference

Determine your waist circumference by placing a measuring tape snugly around your waist. It is a good indicator of your abdominal fat which is another predictor of your risk for developing risk factors for heart disease and other diseases. This risk increases with a waist measurement of over 40 inches in men and over 35 inches in women  

The following table provides you with an idea of whether your BMI combined with your waist circumference increases your risk for developing obesity associated diseases or conditions.

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 in) or less
Women 88 cm (35 in) or less
Men > 102 cm (40 in)
Women > 88 cm (35 in)
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

3. Other Risk Factors
Besides being overweight or obese, there are additional risk factors to consider:

  •  high blood pressure (hypertension)
  •  high LDL-cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol)
  •  low HDL-cholesterol ("good" cholesterol)
  •  high triglycerides
  •  high blood glucose (sugar)
  •  family history of premature heart disease
  •  physical inactivity
  •  cigarette smoking
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Last modified: 02/19/05
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