How does your BMI measure up?

Being overweight increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses. A quick and easy way to evaluate your risk is to check your body mass index (BMI).

To calculate your BMI all you need to know is your height and weight. Let’s calculate your BMI right now.

BMI = weight (lbs.) divided by height (in.) divided by height (in.) x 703

For example, if you weight is 200 pounds and you are 5’10” (70 in.), your BMI equals 29.

200 divided by 70 divided by 70 x 703 = 28.7

BMI Categories:

Underweight = <18.5 Normal weight = 18.5 – 24.9 Overweight = 25 – 29.9 Obese = >30

In the above example, the individual that weighs 200 pounds at 5’10” is considered overweight. Now, don’t get hung up on the categories and whether or not you’re considered overweight or obese. This is simply to open your eyes, so you can take steps to improve your health and decrease your heart disease risk.

Now, compare your BMI with what’s considered normal and healthy.

In a 1999 body mass index study completed on more than 1 million Americans, the healthiest BMI’s for men were determined to be between 23.5 to 25.0 and for women between 22.0 to 23.5.

If you have a body mass index greater than 25, you can take steps to lose weight and lower your BMI through healthy food choices and physical activity to reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases.

Feel free to share your thoughts below.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
1-A-Week Weight Loss Tips
http://www.weightlosswithlisa.com