What does body mass index (BMI) determine?

Ideal Weight Calculator (Body Mass Index) is a reliable indicator of your body’s fitness level, and most importantly, your health risk. It works by calculating your weight and height by correlating it to your fat level.

To use a calculator to deturmine your BMI, go to: 

http://www.weight-loss-plans-4-you.com/ideal-weight-calculator.html

• Adults with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight, but health practitioners consider this to be low risk, since some amount of fat reserve is needed for energy. This extra energy can be helpful during severe, chronic illness or stress.

• Adults with a BMI between 30 to 34.9 are considered obese and have a greater risk of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart attacks. You also have an increased chance of dying by 40% according to the New England Journal of Medicine.

• Adults with a BMI above 35 are considered to be morbidly obese and have an increased chance of death by 250%! If your BMI is high, don’t let the numbers overwhelm you. The important consideration is that you’re going to take control of your health today!

For more information, go to: http://www.weight-loss-plans-4-you.com

BMI does not calculate body fat percentage; it merely determines whether your weight is in a healthy range based on your height.  Larger BMI values are associated with an increased risk for many health complications. 

BMI is considered an overall indicator of ideal body weight. BMI indicates a healthy range of body weight based on height. BMI does not include other factors that indicate a person's health such as body fat percentage versus lean muscle mass, eating habits and exercise.

Body Mass Index (BMI) testing is a method of estimating a person's body fat levels based upon a person's weight and height.

BMI is a number calculated from the relationship between a person's weight and height. A BMI number or "score" places individuals in weight categories. These categories can range from severely underweight to morbidly obese.

Having a low BMI can place someone at risk for the following health conditions and diseases; osteoporosis, impaired immune system function, amenorrhea, cardiac abnormalities and more. Obesity and morbidly obesity, or having a high BMI score are risk factors for;  blood (fat) lipid abnormalities, cancer, including cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, breast, colon, rectum and prostate, depression, gallbladder disease, gynecological problems, such as infertility and irregular periods, heart disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, skin problems, such as intertrigo and impaired wound healing, sleep apnea, stroke, type 2 diabetes according to the Mayo Clinic.

Below 18.5 = Underweight

18.5 – 24.9 = Normal

25.0 – 29.9 = Overweight

30.0 and Above = Obese

Cardiovascular specialist Dr. Merle Myerson discusses body mass index (BMI) and what it determines. Watch Dr. Myerson's video for important tips and information about heart health.