Your Guide to BMI
Did you set a goal to lose weight in 2016? If you did, you are not alone, and for good reason, too. Losing weight is one of the most common New Year?s resolutions and a goal many people set before bathing suit season arrives.
Your weight, especially being overweight, can adversely affect your health and increase your risk of certain health issues. As you discuss your weight with your healthcare provider, he or she will likely discuss BMI with you, which is just one indicator of overall health and disease risks. Read on to find out what BMI means, why it matters and ways to lower it.
What is BMI?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index, a tool for indicating weight status in adults. It is a measure of weight for height. For adults over 20 years old, BMI falls into one of these categories:
BMI Weight
Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5 - 24.9 Normal
25.0 - 29.9 Overweight
30.0 Plus Obese
BMI correlates with body fat. The relation between fatness and BMI differs with age and gender. For example, women are more likely to have a higher percent of body fat than men for the same BMI. On average, older people may have more body fat than younger adults with the same BMI.
How does BMI relate to health?
The BMI ranges are based on the effect body weight has on disease and death. BMI over 25 may increase the risk for some disease. Some common conditions related to overweight and obesity include:
? Premature Death
? Cardiovascular Disease
? High Blood Pressure
? Osteoarthritis
? Some Cancers
? Diabetes
BMI is only one of many factors used to predict risk for disease. BMI cannot be used to tell a person if he/she has a disease such as diabetes or cancer. It is important to remember that weight is only one factor that is related to disease risk.
What can I do if my BMI falls into overweight or obese categories?
Actions such as changing your diet, lifestyle or level of physical activity are all ways to lower BMI. Your healthcare provider can help you determine reasonable weight loss goals and put together a plan for success.
