|
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement based on height and weight
as it relates to body fat, and can be used to determine how much
risk a person has of developing certain health problems because of
his or her weight. As a point of reference, someone with a BMI of
27 is approximately 20 percent overweight. The higher the BMI, the
greater the risk a person has to develop additional health
problems.
|
BMI Result |
Category |
Comments |
|
Under 18.5 |
Underweight |
This result is considered
underweight. Underweight is associated with increased health
problems, including osteoporosis (bone wasting disease) and in
women irregular menstrual periods, and infertility. |
|
18.5 to 24.9 |
Healthy Weight |
This is within the healthy
weight range. You are at a much lower risk for other health
problems. |
|
25 to 29 |
Overweight |
Within this range or higher is
considered overweight. Overweight is associated with increased
health problems. |
|
Above 30 |
Obese |
At or above this range is
considered obese. Obesity is associated with a high risk for
health problems. A BMI above 40 is considered severely obese,
and is associated with a very high risk of health problems
associated with excess weight. |
Exceptions to a
high BMI score include competitive athletes and body builders,
whose BMI is high due to increased muscle mass, and women who are
pregnant or lactating. The BMI is also not intended for use in
measuring growing children or elderly individuals. |
