Body mass index (BMI) is a measurement calculated from a person's weight and height that provides an indicator of body fatness. BMI categories are underweight, normal, overweight, and obese. While BMI is a generally reliable measure, other lifestyle factors also impact health risks, such as smoking, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and physical activity can help reduce risks for various health conditions.

1. • Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number
calculated from a person's weight and
height.
• BMI is a fairly reliable indicator of body
fatness for most people.

2. B I
M
W
eight S
tatus
Below 18.5
18.5 – 24.9
25.0 – 29.9
30.0 and Above
Underweight
Normal
Overweight
Obese

3. People with very low or very high BMIs tend to have the
greatest health risks. Even so, BMI is only one factor in
your overall health. For example, if your BMI falls into the
normal weight category, you will still have a higher risk of
health problems if you:
•Smoke cigarettes
•Do not participate in regular physical activity
•Eat lots of nutrient-poor foods with added fat and sugar.

4. If your BMI is in the overweight category,
you will have a lower overall health risk if
you:
•Get regular physical activity
•Have blood pressure, blood sugar and
cholesterol levels that are within normal limits.
http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6844

5. • Hypertension
•
Dyslipidemia (for example, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL
cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides)
•
Type 2 diabetes
•
Coronary heart disease
•
Stroke
•
Gallbladder disease
•
Osteoarthritis
•
Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
•
Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.ht
ml