Body mass index or BMI, is calculated by weight and height and is used to estimate how much body fat you have. Although BMI does not directly measure the amount of body fat a person has, it correlates to the amount of body fat measured by other methods, such as underwater weighing. A healthy BMI can lower your risk for many medical conditions and problems, but a BMI that is too low or too high can have negative effects.
Hypertension
Individuals with a BMI that classifies them as overweight or obese have a greater risk of developing hypertension, or high blood pressure. Uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of other serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. If you have a high BMI, focus on getting more exercise and limiting salt in your diet. Other risk factors for hypertension include family history, heavy drinking, tobacco use and stress.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular problems, nerve damage and kidney failure. A BMI in the overweight or obese range increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Of the individuals with type 2 diabetes, 90 percent are overweight or obese, according to the World Health Organization. It is especially important to control your weight if you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle or if you are black, Hispanic or Asian, as these factors increase the risk of developing the condition.
Cancer
Overweight and obese individuals are at a higher risk for developing certain types of cancers, including cancers of the kidneys, gallbladder, colon, prostate and breasts. Between 8 percent and 42 percent of certain cancers globally were attributable to a high BMI, according to a World Health Report in 2002 analyzed by the World Health Organization.
Immune System
A low BMI that categorizes a person as underweight can have negative effects on the immune system. Underweight individuals are at a higher risk of developing illnesses and infections because of compromised immune systems. People with "wasting" diseases, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS and hyperthyroidism should be especially vigilant about maintaining a healthy weight to minimize effects of the diseases.
Nutrition
Underweight individuals often lack the vital nutrients their bodies need to function properly. A low BMI can hinder the body's ability to absorb these nutrients and put an individual at an increased risk of developing anemia and osteoporosis. Lack of adequate nutrition can also lead to hair loss and obstruct the body's ability to regulate hormones.
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