Know Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
The Body Mass Index (Â BMI) is a formula commonly used by health care professionals to assess weight related risks, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It is only a guideline and does not apply to women during pregnancy and lactation, or for athletes whose BMI is elevated with their increased muscle mass.
To understand how the BMI works, it is crucial to remember that the formula only considers weight in relation to height. Two people can have the same BMI, but very different amounts of body fat. For instance, a bodybuilder with a large muscle mass and low percentage of fat may have the same BMI as an obese person.
A BMI score between 19 and 25 is considered low risk for any weight related health problems. Of course, weight is only one of the factors responsible for the diseases listed above. This is the formula:
 
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Example: If John weighs 165 pounds and is 5 feet 11 inches (71 inches) tall, his BMI is 23.0.
Interpreting Your BMI Score
BMI Score                                    Health Risk Related to Body Weight
18.5 or below                                    Underweight, increased risk
19 to 25Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Lowest Risk
25 to 30Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Low to moderate risk
30 to 35Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â High risk
35 to 40Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Very high risk
40 plus                                                Highest risk
