How can I tell if I am overweight?

There are two common measures used by healthcare providers to help determine if you’re at an unhealthy weight and at higher risk for disease: the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

Body mass index: BMI is a mathematical formula that expresses the ratio of your weight to your height. Studies have shown that this ratio is a better predictor of body fat than any other measure of height and weight. All adults with a BMI of 25 or more are considered to be at risk for premature death and disability, and this risk increases as the severity of obesity increases.

Waist circumference: Studies have shown that carrying too much fat around your stomach can also increase your disease risk. Use a tape measure to measure around your natural waistline. For women, more than 35 inches is too high, and for men, more than 40 inches is too high.