Body Mass Index (BMI)

Topic Overview

Your body mass index (BMI) and waist size affect your risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and coronary artery disease. The following table shows the risk.

Body mass index (BMI) and the risk for diseases1
Classification BMI Waist size and relative risk

Men: less than 40 in. (102 cm)

Women: less than 35 in. (88 cm)

Men: 40 in. (102 cm) or more

Women: 35 in. (88 cm) or more

Normal18.5–24.9—Increased risk
Overweight25–29.9Increased riskHigh risk
Obesity I30–34.9High riskVery high risk
Obesity II35–39.9Very high riskVery high risk
Obesity III (extreme)40 or aboveExtremely high riskExtremely high risk

For Asian people, each risk category may include lower BMIs than those listed in the table.

A BMI under 18.5 is considered unhealthy. There is risk that you are not getting sufficient nutrition (malnutrition). Complications of malnutrition include anemia, nutrient deficiency, heart irregularities, loss of menstrual periods in women (amenorrhea), cavities, and osteoporosis.

Related Information

References

Citations

  1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (2000). The Practical Guide: Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults (NIH Publication No. 00-4084). Available online: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/prctgd_c.pdf.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerRhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
Last RevisedMay 25, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: May 25, 2011
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator

© 1995-, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.



Topic Contents

    Healthwise. For every health decision