BMI is the body weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters ([weight in kg] ÷ [height in meters]2).
BMI does not actually measure body fat, but generally correlates well with the degree of obesity.
BMI is a relativey new measure of obesity and is more reliable than the standard height-weight tables.
The categories of obesity developed by the World Health Organization are: BMI 25 to 29.9 - Grade 1 obesity (moderate overweight) BMI 30 to 39.9 - Grade 2 obesity (severe overweight) BMI > 40 - Grade 3 obesity (massive/morbid obesity)
Using a BMI table, a person 5'6" tall weighing 140 pounds would have a BMI of 23, well out of the range of risk. That same 5'6" person weighing 190 pounds would have a BMI of 31, in the range of Grade 2 obesity.
A BMI of 27 or higher is associated with increased morbidity and mortality; this is generally considered the point at which some form of treatment for obesity is required.
A BMI between 25 and 27 is considered a warning sign and may warrant intervention, especially in the presence of additional risk factors.
You can calculate your BMI below to see if you are at risk:
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