You’ve had your BMI measured for years and probably didn’t even know it. Every time you go to the doctor the nurse takes your vitals and measures your weight; sometimes they measure your height. These measurements allow them to calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index)—the amount of body fat you have. A BMI of 19-24.9 indicates normal weight; less than 19 is considered underweight; 25-29.9 is considered overweight; and 30 or higher is considered obese.
Why should you care?
By maintaining a healthy weight and normal BMI you’re likely to have fewer joint and muscle pains, more energy, better regulation of bodily fluids and blood pressure, reduced burden to your heart and circulatory system, better sleep, reductions in blood triglycerides, blood sugar, and the risk of developing diabetes, and reduced risk for heart disease and certain cancers.
Being overweight or obese puts you at a greater risk of developing diabetes mellitus, heart disease, osteoarthritis of the hips, knees and ankles (due to increased wear and tear on those joints) and a host of other medical problems. Don’t forget your HealthTeam Advantage plan includes complimentary membership to SilverSneakers (see the article below for more details).
You’re at a higher risk of health issues if your BMI is 35-39.9 and you have two or more weight-related medical problems—in fact, you’re considered morbidly obese (deathly fat). Your risk of medical complications, (heart attack or stroke that could result in death), is significantly elevated. The same morbidly obese category applies if your BMI is more than 39.9 even if you’re otherwise healthy.
Excess weight increases the work your heart must do. It also raises blood pressure and blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and lowers HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It can make diabetes more likely to develop, too. Lifestyle changes that help you maintain a 3-5% weight loss are likely to result in clinically meaningful improvements in blood glucose, triglycerides, and risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Greater weight loss can even help reduce BP and improve blood cholesterol.
How do you calculate your BMI?
What is your BMI? You can use an online BMI calculator, ask your doctor, or calculate it yourself with the instructions below.
- Use a weight scale on a hard, flat, un-carpeted surface. Wear very little clothing and no shoes.
- Weigh yourself to the nearest pound.
- With your eyes facing forward and your heels together, stand very straight against a wall. Your buttocks, shoulders and the back of your head should be touching the wall.
- Mark your height at the highest point of your head. Then measure your height in feet and inches to the nearest 1/4 inch. Also figure your height in inches only.
- Find your height in feet and inches in the first column of the Body Mass Index Risk Levels table. The ranges of weight that correspond to minimal risk, moderate risk (overweight) and high risk (obese) are shown in the three columns for each height.
| Height in Inches 4’10” 4’11” 5’0 5’1″ 5’2′ 5’3″ 5’4″ 5’5″ 5’6″ 5’7″ 5’8″ 5’9″ 5’10” 5’11” 6’0″ 6’1″ 6’2″ 6’3″ 6’4″ | Minimal risk (BMI under 25) 118 lbs. or less 123 or less 127 or less 131 or less 135 or less 140 or less 144 or less 149 or less 154 or less 158 or less 163 or less 168 or less 173 or less 178 or less 183 or less 188 or less 193 or less 199 or less 204 or less | Moderate risk (BMI 25–29.9) Overweight 119–142 lbs. 124–147 128–152 132–157 136–163 141–168 145–173 150–179 155–185 159–190 164–196 169–202 174–208 179–214 184–220 189–226 194–232 200–239 205–245 | High risk (BMI 30 and above) Obese 143 lbs. or more 148 or more 153 or more 158 or more 164 or more 169 or more 174 or more 180 or more 186 or more 191 or more 197 or more 203 or more 209 or more 215 or more 221 or more 227 or more 233 or more 240 or more 246 or more |
To calculate your exact BMI value, multiply your weight in pounds by 703, divide by your height in inches, then divide again by your height in inches.
(Adapted from Obesity Education Initiative: Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Obesity Research 1998, 6 Suppl 2:51S-209S) Source: HTA medical advisors and the American Heart Association
