What's Your BMI?

Body mass index, or BMI as is it often referred to, is one of the most common numbers used in evaluating the weight of an individual. Specifically it is a "relationship between weight and height that is associated with fat and health risk. "1 At a time when weight-related issues are an ever rising problem, maintaining a healthy weight should be of a concern to every individual. Calculating and becoming aware of what your own personal BMI is can be instrumental in the longevity of your health.

An easy way to calculate your BMI

(without having to worry with metric conversions) is as follows:

BMI= WEIGHT (LBS) / HEIGHT (IN) / HEIGHT (IN) X 703

Classifications:

Less than 18.5 = UNDERWEIGHT

18.5 - 24.9 = NORMAL

25.0 - 29.9 = OVERWEIGHT

Greater than 30.0 = OBESE

Elevated BMIs are classified as those that fall into the "overweight" or "obese" category (or are over 25.0). Individuals who have such BMIs become susceptible to increased risk of numerous conditions, diseases, and ailments.

These included, but are not limited to:

Heart Disease Hypertension

Sleep Apnea Certain Cancers

Stroke Type 2 Diabetes

Osteoarthritis

Gallbladder Disease

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Poor Wound Healing

The way to reduce your BMI, and subsequent risk for the above mentioned conditions and diseases, is through weight loss. A reduced calorie diet, along with regular physical activity, is the most effective way to achieve the weight reduction.

1. Definition from About.com September 2008