Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI), is one of the best measures of our true weight status. Put simply, BMI is a common measure expressing the relationship of weight-to-height, and is an easy calculation using inches and pounds.

When calculated, your BMI will help you determine your true weight status as either underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. These BMI ranges are based on the effect of weight status on disease and death. Generally, as a person’s BMI increases, so does their risk for a number of health conditions and diseases.

Calculating Your BMI Most of us judge whether we are at a healthy weight by stepping on a bathroom scale. Body-mass index (BMI) is another way to find out whether you are at a healthy weight. The higher your BMI, the greater your risk for health problems. The simplified formula below will help you figure your BMI. It uses your height in inches and your weight in pounds. Check your result to see if your BMI fits into a health range.

The simplified BMI Formula: 1) Multiply your weight in pounds by 700. 2) Divide the answer by your height in inches. BMI Weight Status 3) Divide this number by your height in Below 18.5 Underweight inches again. 18.5 – 24.9 Normal This is your BMI. 25.0 – 29.9 Overweight Example: 30.0 and above Obese 1) 160 pounds x 700 = 112,000 2) 112,000 / 63 = 1778 3) 1778 / 63 inches = BMI of 28

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If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9: According to the new guidelines, an overweight person has a BMI of 25 to 29.9. If these numbers apply to you, does this mean you are at high risk and should try to lose weight? The answer is yes if you also have the presence of two other weight –related risk factors.

These risk factors include a high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, diabetes and mildly elevated blood sugars, or “borderline diabetes”. Another risk factor is a waist circumference of 40 inches or more in men or 35 inches or more in women.

Large waist circumferences were established as a risk factor due to increased incidence of disease in those who carry extra fat in the abdominal area as opposed to below the hips (also knows as “apple” shaped instead of “pear” shape). If you do not have any of these risk factors, then losing weight with a BMI of 25 – 29.9 is not necessary. However, you should be very careful to maintain your weight and not continue to creep up in the “overweight zone”.

If you are in the 30 and above BMI range: As for those with a BMI of 30 or greater, the advice is more clear-cut: losing weight is definitely recommended and may significantly decrease your health risks. Obviously, if you also have other risk factors listed above, your health risks are even greater. Following a sensible weight loss and physical exercise plan will likely be very beneficial to your long- term health. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has outlined some of the best approaches to sensible and long-term weight loss based on years of research.

Does BMI apply to everyone? BMI measures are not always accurate for everyone and in certain circumstances BMI should be interpreted with caution. Women who are temporarily carrying extra weight due to pregnancy should not use BMI to determine health risk. Those who are very active may also have a high BMI which may falsely represent increased health risks. This is because athletes and body builders often have a large proportion of their body weight contributed by lean body mass (muscle tissue).

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A high BMI in this case is often associated with a healthy body fat percentage and does not necessarily translate into increased health problems. It is a good idea to have your body fat percentage tested by a health professional to have an additional guideline of your personal health risks. Overweight does not always mean over-fat, and being over-fat is the greater health concern.

What are the health implications of obesity? Obesity has been established as a major risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and some cancers in both men and women. Other comorbid conditions include sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, infertility, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, lower extremity venous stasis disease, gastro-esophageal reflux and urinary stress incontinence.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Facts Health risks increase as BMI increases. A BMI of 27 or greater indicates that an individual may be at a greater risk for developing weight-related health problems, including high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and certain cancers.

Higher or elevated BMI is an indication of preventable risk that should be checked regularly by consumers and their doctors, just like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Prevalence of excess weight and weight-related diseases increases two fold between ages 20 and 59.

Studies indicate that a decrease in excess body weight followed by weight maintenance may reduce risk factors associated with obesity, weight loss of as little as 5% to 10% by individuals can be beneficial.

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Reach and Maintain a Reasonable Body Weight Your weight affects your health in many ways. Being overweight can keep your body from making and using insulin properly. It can also cause high blood pressure. Research has shown that losing even a few pounds can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes because it helps your body use insulin more effectively. Moreover, people who lost between 5 and 7 percent of their body weight significantly reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, losing only 10 pounds could make a difference.

If you are overweight or obese, choose sensible ways to get into shape: Avoid crash diets. Instead, eat less of the foods you usually have. Limit the amount of fat you eat.

Increase your physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

Set a reasonable weight-loss goal, such as losing 1 pound a week. Aim for a long- term goal of losing 5 to 7 percent of your total body weight.

Patient Education PO Box 1120  Danville, VA 24543  1-877-846-8930 www.gatewayhealth.com