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Calculate your BMI

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ft
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Your BMI:

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Your weight classification:

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Underweight

Being underweight could be a sign you're not eating enough or that you may be ill.

If you're underweight, contact your general practitioner for further evaluation.

Normal weight

The medical community recommends that you keep your weight within this range.

Overweight

People who fall into this category may be at risk of developing obesity. They might also be at risk of developing other health problems, or that their current health problems may worsen. The recommendation is to consult a healthcare provider, in case you are also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

There are two recommendations for people who fall into the pre-obesity category, which are recommended by European and American clinical guidelines for obesity management in adults.

The recommendation for people with a BMI of between 25.0 and 29.9 and who do not have weight-related health problems (i.e., high blood pressure or high cholesterol) is to prevent further weight gain through healthy eating and increased physical activity. In case they have diabetes, recommendation is to take the recommended treatment advise with doctor.

For people with a BMI of between 27 and 29.0, and who also have weight-related health problems and diabetes, the recommendation is to lose weight by combining lifestyle interventions and anti-obesity medications to achieve weight loss and improve health and quality of life.

Obesity I

People who have BMI equal or over 30 may have obesity, which is defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that may harm health. Today a number of health organisations recognise obesity as a chronic, but manageable disease.

World Health Organisation and other health organisations distinguish three classes of obesity:

 Obesity Classification

 BMI

 Class I

 25,0–29,9

 Class II

 30,0–34,9

 Class III

 Over 35,0

 

The BMI ranges are based on the effect excessive body fat has on individual’s health, life expectancy and risk of developing diseases; as BMI increases, so does the risk for some diseases. 

It is recommended that people with a BMI equal or above 30 consult a healthcare provider trained in obesity management for diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment of obesity and weight-related health complications. Please also consult your doctor if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

The goal of managing and treating obesity is not simply to lose weight, but instead to improve health and lower the risks of other health complications.

* Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare provider. If you have any questions regarding your health, you should contact your general practitioner or another qualified healthcare provider.

Obesity II

People who have BMI equal or over 30 may have obesity, which is defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that may harm health. Today a number of health organisations recognise obesity as a chronic, but manageable disease.

World Health Organisation and other health organisations distinguish three classes of obesity:

Obesity Classification

 BMI

 Class I

 25,0–29,9

 Class II

 30,0–34,9

 Class III

 Over 35,0

 

The BMI ranges are based on the effect excessive body fat has on individual’s health, life expectancy and risk of developing diseases; as BMI increases, so does the risk for some diseases.

It is recommended that people with a BMI equal or above 30 consult a healthcare provider trained in obesity management for diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment of obesity and weight-related health complications. Please also consult your doctor if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

* Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare provider. If you have any questions regarding your health, you should contact your general practitioner or another qualified healthcare provider.

Obesity III

People who have BMI equal or over 30 may have obesity, which is defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that may harm health. Today a number of health organisations recognise obesity as a chronic, but manageable disease.

World Health Organisation and other health organisations distinguish three classes of obesity:

Obesity Classification

 BMI

 Class I

 25,0–29,9

 Class II

 30,0–34,9

 Class III

 Over 35,0

 

The BMI ranges are based on the effect excessive body fat has on individual’s health, life expectancy and risk of developing diseases; as BMI increases, so does the risk for some diseases.  

It is recommended that people with a BMI equal or above 30 consult a healthcare provider trained in obesity management for diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment of obesity and weight-related health complications. Please also consult your doctor if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

* Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare provider. If you have any questions regarding your health, you should contact your general practitioner or another qualified healthcare provider.

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Why is BMI important to know?

BMI is a good way to check your risk of diseases related to body fat. Living with overweight or obesity is associated with an increased risk of mortality and other diseases or conditions. Generally, the higher your BMI, the greater the chance of developing other chronic obesity-related diseases, including:

  • Type II diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Infertility
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Dyslipidemia
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Metabolic syndrome (MetS)
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Obstructive sleep apnea and breathing problems
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Various types of cancer: including but not limited to - breast, colon, endometrial, oesophageal, kidney, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer
  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Gallstone disease
  • Thrombosis
  • Gout
  • Increased risk of mortality compared to those with a healthy BMI

Ask your doctor for more information about any of these diseases and how they relate to your BMI.

What are the limits of BMI?

BMI is a simple and objective measurement, but it can be misleading in certain cases and for some groups of people. Research has shown that BMI is less accurate in predicting the risk of disease in people who are older, athletes, those who are tall or short, and those with more muscular body types. For example, elite athletes or bodybuilders have more muscle and weigh more, which makes their BMI higher.

BMI also doesn't take into account:

  • Hereditary risk factors associated with obesity-related diseases, such as metabolic syndrome
  • Environmental and lifestyle factors other than obesity that can contribute to your risk of developing chronic disease
  • How body fat is distributed in individuals 

Your BMI doesn't define you but knowing and understanding your BMI can be a powerful tool for taking charge of your own health.

Regardless of your BMI, healthcare professionals recommend having a healthy diet and lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about your weight and health and evaluate what actions may be needed. 

References
  1. S V M, et al. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2022 Jul-Aug;26(4):295-318.
  2. Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk. NHLBI. Available from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/risk.htm#:~:text=BMI%20is%20an%20estimate%20of,breathing%20problems%2C%20and%20certain%20cancers. Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk (nih.gov) as accessed on 21 Nov 2022
  3. Adult BMI Calculator. CDC Available from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html Adult BMI Calculator | Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity | CDC as accessed on 21 Nov 2022

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