Body Mass Index (BMI)
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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.
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 |
||
Normal |
18.5-24.9 |
- |
Increased risk |
Overweight |
25-29.9 |
Increased risk |
High risk |
Obesity I |
30-34.9 |
High risk |
Very high risk |
Obesity II |
35-39.9 |
Very high risk |
Very high risk |
Obesity III (extreme) |
40 or above |
Extremely high risk |
Extremely 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.
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ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer
Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
Current as ofOctober 9, 2017
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Current as of: October 9, 2017