The body mass index, or BMI, is a measure of your body composition. The BMI provides an indication of your level of body fat, and has been used as a predictor for several diseases. The BMI has experienced some criticism for not taking numerous individual factors into consideration, such as ethnicity, muscle mass, and age. However, when combined with other assessments, the BMI is fairly accurate in assessing your chances of developing cardiovascular problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer.
Normal Weight
Your BMI is determined by dividing your weight in pounds by your height in inches, and then multiplying the result by 703. Normal weight is associated with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, while a BMI less than 18.5 is considered underweight. A BMI falling into any of these categories carries the lowest risk of heart disease and cancer. A normal BMI can also help promote healthy joints, improve sleep, and increase metabolism.
Overweight
A BMI between 25.0 and 30.0 is classified as overweight and is associated with being about 10 percent over your ideal body weight. Having a BMI in the overweight category carries a general increased risk or heart and blood vessel disease. An overweight BMI is one of the first indicators that diet and exercise are necessary to prevent more serious heart problems.
Obesity
Obesity is divided into three steps based on its level of risk. Step 1 obesity is associated with a BMI of greater than 30.0 and corresponds to being about 30 lbs. overweight. Step 2 obesity is related to a BMI of 35.0 to 39.9. Step 3 obesity is classified as having a BMI of 40.0 or greater. Step 3 obesity, sometimes called morbid obesity, carries the highest risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, and places the body in a near-fatal condition.
Waist Circumference
The BMI assessments are often paired with measures of waist circumference to obtain a better picture of body composition. Waist circumference is not a concern if you have a normal BMI. If you have a BMI greater than 25.0, however, a waist circumference of greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women is associated with increased risk of obesity-related diseases.
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