The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women.  

How to calculate BMI:

BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. For example, if you weigh 70 kilograms and are 1.73 meters tall, your BMI would be 23.4.

BMI categories:

  • Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
  • Normal: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
  • Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
  • Obese: BMI 30 or higher

Health risks associated with BMI:

People with a BMI in the overweight or obese range are at an increased risk for a number of health problems, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Cancer
  • Gallstones
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sleep apnea

What to do if you are overweight or obese:

If you are overweight or obese, there are a number of things you can do to improve your health, including:

  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Exercise regularly
  • Get enough sleep
  • Manage stress

It is important to talk to your doctor about your weight and develop a plan for healthy weight loss.