Body
Mass Index (BMI) is one of the most
accurate ways to determine when extra
pounds translate into health risks.
BMI is a measure which takes into account
a person’s weight and height to gauge
total body fat in adults. Someone with
a BMI of 26 to 27 is about 20 percent
overweight, which is generally believed
to carry moderate health risks. A BMI
of 30 and higher is considered obese.
The higher the BMI, the greater the
risk of developing additional health
problems. Heart
disease, diabetes and high blood pressure
are all linked to being overweight.
A BMI of 30 and over increases the risk
of death from any cause by 50 to 150
percent, according to some estimates.
According to health experts, people
who are overweight but have no other
health risk factors (such as high cholesterol
or high blood pressure) should eat healthier
and exercise to keep from gaining additional
weight. For people who are overweight
and also have health risks, they recommend
trying to actively lose weight. Be sure
to consult your doctor or other health
professional before beginning any exercise
or weight-loss program. In
June 1998, the federal government announced
guidelines which create a new definition
of a healthy weight -- a BMI of 24 or
less. So now a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is
considered overweight. Individuals who
fall into the BMI range of 25 to 34.9,
and have a waist size of over 40 inches
for men and 35 inches for women, are
considered to be at especially high
risk for health problems.
Use
the BMI CALCULATOR below to figure your
BMI and then refer to the chart to see
ranges for a healthy BMI.
Use
the this equation to calculate your
BMI
[BMI = (weight
in Kg)/ (height in meter squared)]
or use our calculator(Note:
This
calcualtion does not apply to children,
pregnant women, athletes with high muscle
mass or to fraile elderly.)
Tips:
If
weight is in pounds, calculate to
kilograms. Formula is 2.2 lbs. =
1 kg
If
height is in inches, calculate to
meters. Formula is 0.0254m = 1 inch
Heart
disease, diabetes and high blood pressure
are all linked to being overweight.
A BMI of 30 and over increases the risk
of death from any cause by 50 to 150
percent, according to some estimates.
According to health experts, people
who are overweight but have no other
health risk factors (such as high cholesterol
or high blood pressure) should eat healthier
and exercise to keep from gaining additional
weight. For people who are overweight
and also have health risks, they recommend
trying to actively lose weight. Be sure
to consult your doctor or other health
professional before beginning any exercise
or weight-loss program.
