At What Body Mass Index (bmi) Is A Person Considered To Be Overweight But Not Obese?

The Body Mass Index is a measure of your total body composition. Your BMI score provides an indication of your body fat, as well as your likelihood of developing obesity-related health conditions. An overweight BMI score places increased demand on your heart, raising blood pressure and causing higher blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Each increasing BMI score beyond normal is associated with an increased risk of developing diseases such as diabetes and coronary heart disease.

BMI Calculation

You can calculate your BMI by first multiplying your weight in pounds by the number 703. Divide the result by your height in inches squared, and this is your BMI. For example, if you are 5 feet 5 inches tall and you weigh 120 lbs., you would have a BMI of 20.0. You can also calculate your BMI using an online calculator. There is a link to the CDC's calculators in the Resources section.

Overweight BMI

An overweight BMI is a score between 25 and 29.9. For example, someone who is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 200 lbs. has a BMI of 28.7, and would be considered overweight. The BMI does not take into account your sex, so men and women with the same measurements have the same BMI scores.

Other BMI Measurements

A normal BMI is considered to be any score that falls between 18.5 and 24.9. Individuals with a BMI score of 30 or more are considered obese, while a score of less than 18.5 is said to be underweight. Individuals with BMI scores of 40 or more may be in a potentially fatal state of obesity.

Reducing Your BMI

If you have an overweight BMI score, losing just 10 lbs. can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. You can maintain a healthy BMI and promote cardiovascular health by getting at least 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise a day, four to five days a week. You can also promote cardiovascular health by consuming a diet high in fiber and unsaturated fat, while avoiding saturated fat, excess cholesterol, sugar and excess sodium.