BMI

BMI

Doctors and health care professionals use the BMI or Body Mass Index as one indicator of determining a healthy weight. Studies have shown that people with a high BMI are more likely to have health problems such as heart disease, type2 diabetes and other related illnesses. There are exceptions to this scale. Athletes and body builders do not fare well in the Body Mass Index rating scale. The rest of us can exercise and eat better to bring our BMI into a healthy range.

Using the BMI Calculator in Health Profiles
You can track your current Body Mass Index within Health Profiles. Enter your weight and height on the Main Window. Click on the Recalculate BMI to see your current rating. If your weight changes, enter your new weight and click the Recalc BMI button.

You will also see your projected weights to achieve healthy BMI ratings between 20 and 25.

There are two way to determine your BMI.

Height and weight calculations can determine your Body Mass Index. See the Chart below

Your waist size is also an indicator of your BMI but not as scalable as height and weight.

BMI	Rating
18.5 or less	Underweight
18.5 - 24.9	Normal Weight
25.0 - 29.9	Overweight
30.0 - 34.9	Obese
35.0 - 39.9	Obese
40 or greater	Extremely Obese

BMI is equal to or less than 18.5 (Underweight)
A lean BMI can indicate that your weight maybe too low. You should consult your physician to determine if you should gain weight, as low body mass can decrease your body's immune system, which could lead to illness.

BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 (Normal)
People whose BMI is within 18.5 to 24.9 possess the ideal amount of body weight, associated with living longest, the lowest incidence of serious illness, as well as being perceived as more physically attractive people than persons with BMI in higher or lower ranges.

BMI is between 25 and 29.9 (Overweight)
Persons falling in this BMI range are considered overweight and would benefit from finding healthy ways to lower their weight, such as diet and exercise. Individuals who fall in this range are at increased risk for a variety of illnesses.

BMI is over 30 (Obese)
Individuals with a BMI over 30 are in a physically unhealthy condition, which puts them at risk for serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease, and some cancers. These persons would benefit greatly by modifying their lifestyle.

Using Waist Size to Determine BMI
Greater than or equal to:

40 in. (men) or

35 in. (women)

Depending on your actual waist size, you have a increased risk to significantly high risk for serious illness. This calculation is not as scalable as assessing your actual BMI as shown above. However, it has been shown to be an indicator.