<p>: How is BMI interpreted differently for children (2-20 years) than adults? A: BMI is calculated with the same formula for children and adults, but the results are interpreted differently. For adults the use of BMI to define overweight does not depend on age or gender. For children ages 2-20 years, BMI is plotted on a growth chart specific for age and gender. Q: What are the health risks associated with being overweight or obese? A: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including the following:1  Hypertension  Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)  Type 2 diabetes  Coronary heart disease  Stroke  Gallbladder disease  Osteo arthritis  Sleep apnea and respiratory problems  Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon) Q: What is the difference between overweight and obese? A: An adult is considered "overweight" when he/she is above a healthy weight, which varies according to a person's height. An individual is overweight when their body mass index is between 25-29.9. The standard used by researchers to define a person's weight according to their height is "body mass index" (BMI). An adult with a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese. For example, for a 5'4" woman this means that she is 30 or more pounds over her healthy weight. Q: I have diabetes, are there any precautions I should take when dieting? A: As a diabetic, what you eat and when you eat affects how your diabetes medicines work. Before you begin any diet or exercise routine, talk with your doctor to make a meal plan that fits the way you usually eat, your daily routine, your weight loss goals and your diabetes medicines. Q: How can physical activity help me from becoming overweight or obese? A: Physical activity, along with a healthy diet, plays an important role in the prevention of being overweight and obese (USDHHS, 2001). In order to maintain a stable weight, a person needs to expend the same amount of calories as he or she consumes. Although the body burns calories for everyday functions such as breathing, digestion, and routine daily activities, many people consume more calories than they need for these functions each day. A good way to burn off extra calories and prevent weight gain is to engage in regular physical activity beyond routine activities. 1National Institutes of Health. Do You Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight? 2004, (WIN-04-4098). </p>