Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of your weight relative to your height.

For adults aged 20 and older, BMI falls into one of four categories:

• Below 18.5: Underweight
• 18.5 – 24.9: Healthy Weight
• 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight
• 30.0 and above: Obesity

Special Considerations for Asian Populations:

Individuals of Asian descent may have greater health risks at a lower BMI. They may be considered overweight with a BMI between 23 and 25, and obese with a BMI of 25 or higher.

BMI for Children and Teens:

For those under 20, BMI is measured differently, using percentile rankings based on age and sex. This accounts for differences in body fat between boys and girls as they grow. The categories are:

• Less than 5th percentile: Underweight
• 5th to less than 85th percentile: Healthy Weight
• 85th to less than 95th percentile: Overweight
• Equal to or greater than 95th percentile: Obesity

What Does My BMI Measurement Not Tell Me?

BMI is a useful screening tool but does not directly measure body fat. Here are some key factors it doesn’t account for:

• Fat Distribution: BMI can’t indicate where fat is stored in your body. Visceral fat around your organs is more harmful than subcutaneous fat under the skin.
• Age: Body fat percentage typically increases with age.
• Sex: Women generally have about 10% more body fat than men at the same BMI.
• Race/Ethnic Group: Different racial and ethnic groups may have varying body compositions at the same BMI.
• Muscle Mass: BMI doesn’t differentiate between muscle and fat. A muscular person might have a high BMI despite having a healthy body fat percentage.
• Pregnancy: BMI is not a suitable measure for pregnant women. Consult your doctor for appropriate weight guidelines.

How to Use Your BMI Range

Your BMI range helps identify if you’re in a particular weight category, which can indicate potential health risks. However, BMI alone doesn’t define whether you’re healthy. Discuss your BMI with your doctor to understand its implications and how it fits into your overall health picture.

Glossary:

• BMI Calculator: A tool to estimate your risk of illness based on weight and height.
• Waist-to-Height Ratio: Describes body shape and potential health risks.
• Metabolism: The process of converting calories into energy.
• Daily Calorie Target: The number of calories needed to achieve your weight goals.
• Target Heart Rate: Optimal heart rate during exercise for cardiovascular benefit.

Understanding your BMI is a step toward managing your health. Always consult with healthcare professionals for a complete assessment.