Watch your BMI
The Body Mass Index (BMI)!David F. Kisor, B.S., Pharm.D. December 17, 2002 Print-friendly version
Email this article | Page 1 | What is the Body Mass Index?
| | Page 2 | Limitations of the Body Mass Index
| | Page 3 | Calculating Your Body Mass Index
| | Page 4 | BMI and Waist Size
| | Page 5 | References
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What is the Body Mass Index?
The body mass index (BMI) is measure of body fat related to height and weight. The BMI is used to define a category of weight and can be applied to both adult men and women. The category of weight has been related to risk of certain diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
There are defined weight categories related to specific BMI ranges. The following are the categories as defined by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. - Underweight = BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight = BMI 18.5-24.9
- Overweight = BMI 25-29.9
- Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
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