Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation that is the general accepted tool as the first step for determining if a person is overweight or obese.
Special considerations with BMI:
- Can be falsely elevated those who are muscular such as body builders and athletes
- Can be falsely low in those who have lost muscle mass from things such as illness and aging
- If patient has had a loss of height due to conditions such as osteoporosis and kyphosis- use the starting height.
General Calculation:
Body weight (KG)/height(meters) squared
BMI Categories:
Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5–24.9
Overweight = 25–29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
NIH Online Calculator to use:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm
Understanding your risk of obesity using a tool such as a BMI calculator is important as obesity has been linked to elevation in all cause mortality as well as increased risk of numerous health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, cancer, stroke, arthritis, mental illness, pain and sleep apnea
References:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.html
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/downloads/bmiforpactitioners.pdf
This article is for information purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your medical provider prior to any lab testing, diet changes, new supplement/medication and all other medical associated topics/conditions.
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