Obesity heightens the risk for many of the most serious health threats for both men and women, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes. Body Mass Index (BMI) is the current guideline for assessing excess body fat and determining whether or not a person is overweight.
Although the BMI may not be appropriate for everyone (including very muscular or frail adults), it can help individuals and health care providers predict health risks.
If your BMI is too high, diet and exercise are the primary ways to combat weight problems and to prevent the progression of illnesses aggravated by excessive weight.
To determine your BMI:
1. Multiply your weight in pounds by 705.
2. Multiply your height in inches by itself.
3. Divide the first number by the second.
For example, if you are 6 feet tall and weigh 200 pounds, you would figure your BMI this way:
1. 200 lbs. x 705 = 141,000
2. 72 x 72 = 5,184
3. 141,000 / 5,184 = 27.19
(BMI chart provided below)
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