Body mass index (BMI)
is a formula that uses
weight and height to estimate body fat
and gauge health risks due to carrying
too much weight. The BMI is only one
factor in determining a person's
health risk. A BMI in the "healthy"
range does not necessarily mean that
you are fit and healthy! BMI does not
take into account lean body mass or
body frame. A muscular, large-framed
person's BMI could indicate obesity,
but other indicators would show that
this is not the case.
People with a BMI of 27.0 or greater
qualify for prescription weight loss
drugs.
People with a BMI of 35.0 or above
(with life threatening health risks)
or with a BMI of 40.0 or above (with
or without life threatening health
risks, such as diabetes or respiratory
diseases) qualify for
Bariatric surgery
|
Underweight |
Less
than 18.5 |
|
Normal |
18.5 -- 24.9 |
|
Overweight |
25
-- 29.9 |
|
Obesity I |
30
-- 34.9 |
|
Obesity II |
35
-- 39.9 |
|
Extremely Obese III |
40
and over |
To
calculate your BMI, enter your height
in feet and inches and your weight in
pounds (lbs) in the boxes below and
then click on the button marked
"Calculate BMI":
