Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body mass index, or BMI, is a calculation based on your height and weight to place you in a weight category: underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
BMI can be a useful starting measure to identify your weight classification and risk of comorbidities.
BMI is not relevant if you are under 18 years or pregnant.
BMI is a very general measure that places you in 1 of 6 broad weight categories – underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese.
- Risk of Comorbidities
- Less than 18
- Normal weight
- Obese 1
- Obese 11
- Obese 111
- 40 or greater
- Very severe
Fat predominantly distributed around the waist is also a risk factor for health complications such as cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. Fat predominantly deposited around the hips and buttocks doesn't have this same risk.