Obesity has become a widespread problem in the United States. In fact, about one in three Americans is obese, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Your body mass index (BMI) can help you identify whether you are at risk for obesity. Your BMI takes into account your height and weight to determine whether your percentage of body fat is healthy or unhealthy.
Considerations
When you are overweight or obese, it places undue stress on your heart and can leave you vulnerable to serious medical problems. These include heart disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
Calculating Your BMI
You can calculate your BMI by multiplying your weight in pounds by 703. You divide that number by your height in inches, then divide the result by height in inches. For example, a man who weighs 205 lbs. and stands 6 feet, or 72 inches, tall has a BMI of nearly 28.
Understanding Your Numbers
BMI values from 18.5 to 24.9 are considered normal, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is regarded as overweight. A BMI of 25 and higher are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Obesity is defined by the AHA as having a BMI of 30 or greater, or being about 30 lbs. or more overweight. A person who is extremely obese would have a BMI of 40 or greater.
Exceptions
Your BMI is a generally reliable indicator of whether your weight is healthy in proportion to your height. However, it isn't 100 percent reliable, according to the Mayo Clinic. For instance, bodybuilders may have high BMIs but not be at risk for heart disease. This is because muscle weighs more than fat.
In addition, older people may be better off with a slightly elevated BMI. A BMI in the 25 to 27 range may help guard against the bone degenerative disease osteoporosis in people older than 65, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Outlook
Your BMI alone can't predict your health risk, but most experts say that a BMI greater than 30 is unhealthy. No matter what your BMI is, exercise can help reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to the NIH. If you have been sedentary for a time, consult your doctor before launching an exercise program.
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