Body Mass Index
| BMI less than 18.5 |
BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 |
BMI between 25.0 and 30.0 |
BMI greaer than 30.0 |
| Underweight |
Healthy Range |
Overweight |
Obese |
In 1998, a study was condcuted (Source: http://www.people.virgina.edu/~rjh9u/bmi.html) that calculated the risks associated with BMI values above the desirable range. The mortality rates were high across the board for BMI values greater than 27. This included death from cancer, heart disease, and overall mortality rates.
For those with a Body Mass Index of 27 or higher, the chance of getting Type II diabetes is 2000% higher than those with a BMI less than 23. This number soars to over 5000% when BMI exceeds 33.
BMI is the best tool we have (now) for determing unhealthy levels of obesity. Most of us use the bathroom scale as the gauge of health improvement. Use your weight and continue to track the progress of your BMI. Calculate your BMI (below) and make it part of your fitness goals and plan.
Obesity is still being studies, but it's widely accepted that the effects of excessive weight can limit the length and quality of life.
Return to build your Fitness Plan
(click here)
Return from BMI to Your Fitness Plan