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People come in different sizes and body types. Extreme thinness may be the current fashion but it's not necessarily a measure of health. Like extreme obesity, extreme thinness has its risks. Most peoples' weight falls somewhere between these two extremes and is as much influenced by genetics (what their parents and grandparents look like) as by their own efforts. Permanently modifying weight is a tough task, often made harder by the ways in which the very profitable diet industry encourages people to approach it. If you have concerns about the relationship of your current weight to your health, complete this exercise. Health risk is certainly not the only reason that people choose to lose weight or become fit. But the extent to which your current weight adds to your health risk may help you clarify your goals and find your motivation for change. It's an important part of the whole picture of weight, food and fitness in your life.

Weight by itself is no longer considered to be a good indicator of health risk. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends a three-part assessment of weight and risk:

• Body Mass Index (BMI), which estimates your total body fat by relating your height and weight.



• Waist measurement, which is an indicator of abdominal fat (fat in the belly, around the organs). Abdominal fat increases risk for heart disease, diabetes and other types of illness more than fat in other areas of the body.



• Disease risk factors. By viewing your body size in relation to other disease risk factors, you get a clearer picture of how weight maintenance, gain or loss may play a role in your long-term health.

Body Weight and Health Risk Calculator For Adults

1. What's Your Body Mass Index?

   Body Mass Index, or BMI, is the ratio of your height to your weight. The BMI relates to total body fat, and applies to both men and women. A BMI between than 18.5 to 24.9 is considered "normal weight." BMIs above that range add to risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. A BMI from 25 to 29.9 is "overweight" and 30 or above "obese." A BMI less than 18.5 indicates "underweight" and may be associated with greater risk for osteoporosis and other conditions, depending on the degree of thinness.

   Imperial   or   Metric Your height:   feet inches     meters Your weight:   pounds     kilograms

2. What's Your Waist Measurement?

   Abdominal fat is fat in the belly and midsection, around the organs. Fat in this area increases disease risk more than fat in other parts of the body. This type of fat distribution has been called "apple" or gynoid obesity. Your waist measurement provides an easy estimate of abdominal obesity. Pull a measuring tape taut around your waist. Risk increases with a waist measurement of over 40 inches in men and over 35 inches in women.

   Imperial   or     Metric Your waist measurement:   inches     cm Your gender:   Male    Female

3. Risk Factors for Heart Disease

   The following risk factors are associated with a higher risk of developing heart disease. Check all that apply to you:

   Risk Factors Check all that apply Diabetes High blood pressure Abnormal blood lipids (fats) including any or all of the following: high total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high triglycerides Smoking Inactive lifestyle

For More Information

• Body Mass Calculator for Adults (CDC)
• Body Mass Calculator for Children (CDC)
• Body-Mass Index and Mortality (Letters to the editor of the New England Journal of Medicine)

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Last Updated: Thursday August 29, 2002 21:04:26
This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other health care professional.

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