BMI (Body Mass Index) Calculator
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. To calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index) select your weight and height from the lists below then click the “Calculate BMI” button below.
Understanding BMI
BMI is a useful measure of overweight and obesity. It is calculated from your height and weight. BMI is an estimate of body fat and a good gauge of your risk for diseases that can occur with more body fat. The higher your BMI, the higher your risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers.
Although BMI can be used for most men and women, it does have some limits:
- It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.
- It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle.
BMI Ranges
| BMI | |
| Underweight | Below 18.5 |
| Normal | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0 – 29.9 |
| Obesity | 30.0 and Above |
Risk Factors Associated With Obesity
Along with being overweight or obese, the following conditions will put you at greater risk for heart disease and other conditions:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol)
- Low HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol)
- High triglycerides
- High blood glucose (sugar)
- Family history of premature heart disease
- Physical inactivity
- Cigarette smoking
For people with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 (consider obese) or those who with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 (considered overweight) and have two or more risk factors mentioned above, it is recommended that you lose weight. Even a small weight loss (between 5 and 10 percent of your current weight) will help lower your risk of developing diseases associated with obesity. People who are overweight, and have fewer than two risk factors may need to prevent further weight gain rather than lose weight.
The knowledgeable health care providers at Camelback Health Care can help you with your weight loss leading to a healthier lifestyle. Contact us at (602) 368-5861 to schedule your weight loss consultation.
