Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement based on height and weight as it relates to body fat. It is used to determine how much risk a person has of developing certain health problems because of his or her weight. The higher the BMI the higher the risk a person has to develop additional health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, etc.
Calculating BMI
BMI = weight in pounds x 703 OR BMI = weight in kilograms
(Height in Inches)2 (Height in Meters)2
|
Definition |
BMI |
Risk Level |
|
Underweight |
< 18.5 |
– |
|
Preferred |
18.5 – 24.9 |
Low |
|
Overweight |
25 – 29.9 |
Increased |
|
Obese |
> 30 |
High to Extremely High |
|
Class I Obesity = Obesity |
30 – 35 |
High |
|
Class II Obesity = Severe Obesity |
35 – 39.9 |
Very High |
|
Class III Obesity = Morbid Obesity |
> 40 |
Extremely High |
|
Super Morbid Obesity |
> 50 |
Extremely High |