What is Body Mass Index?
The BMI is an indicator of total body fat percentage calculated using a person's height and weight. It is widely used to help assess a person's risk for developing health problems.

What do the numbers mean?
BMI of less than 18.5 is considered underweight
BMI of 18.5 - 24.9 is considered healthy
BMI of 25 - 29.9 is considered overweight
BMI of 30 or more is considered obese

What kind of health problems are associated with being overweight or obese?
Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of multiple health problems, among them are: Type II Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke, Certain Types of Cancer, Osteoarthritis, Sleep Apnea, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Gallbladder Disease, Fatty Liver Disease and Pregnancy Complications.

Are there limitations to BMI?
BMI may not accurately reflect body fatness in people who are competitive athletes and bodybuilders because their heavier muscle build can skew the numbers.  In addition, BMI may not be completely accurate for people over the age of 65 because of the muscle loss that accompanies the aging process.  For most people, BMI is a reliable way to determine if a few extra pounds are setting them up for health problems.

Where do you go from here?
With 66% of American's being either overweight or obese, your BMI is an important number to know and understand. If your BMI indicates that you are overweight or obese, it's time to seriously consider making some healthy lifestyle changes. There are numerous resources, like this website, that can help you begin to make some of the necessary changes. 

If you are underweight, take the appropriate steps to healthfully gain the necessary pounds to put you into a normal range. If you fall within the healthy range—congratulations!  Stay on track with a healthy lifestyle.

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