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.
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.
Related Information
References
Citations
Credits
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
- Top of Page
Next Section:
Related Information
Previous Section:
Topic Overview- Top of Page
Next Section:
References
Previous Section:
Related Information- Top of Page
Next Section:
Credits
Previous Section:
References- Top of Page
Current as of: October 9, 2017