BMI Calculator

Risk of Associated Disease According to BMI and Waist Size
BMI (Body Mass Index)		Waist less than or equal to 40 in. (men) or 35 in. (women)	Waist greater than 40 in. (men) or 35 in. (women
18.5 or less	Underweight
18.5 – 24.9	Normal
25.0 – 29.9	Overweight	Increased
30.0 – 34.9	Obese	High	Very High
35.0 – 39.9	Very Obese	Very High	Very High
40 or Greater	Extremely Obese	Extremely High	Extremely High

 

A Visual Chart To Check BMI & Health Risk

 

What is Body Mass Index?

BMI is a practical indicator of the severity of overweight/obesity by measuring an individual’s weight in relation to their height. The globally accepted BMI classification system for adults is supported through the World Health Organisation. This system is based on the relationship between BMI, mortality and chronic disease. Standards are age and gender independent. This is completed through a simple equation:

 

Weight in kilograms (kg) divided by height in meters squared (m2) = BMI (kg/m2).

 

What are the limitations of using BMI alone?

Although BMI is a good marker of total fat, the relationship between BMI and adiposity can be marked by large inter-individual variation. Therefore, a second body composition measurement should always be taken, in addition to BMI such as a waist circumference measurement.

How is a waist circumference measurement a predictor of health?

Studies on health has demonstrated that it is not just about how much fat an individual has on their body (although this is clearly important), but where this fat is located. Central obesity poses a major threat to health; in particular the amount of intra-abdominal fat (or visceral fat) that is stored within the visceral organs.

A simple WC measurement shows a strong correlation to the amount of fat stored within the visceral organs. Considerable amounts of published evidence show how excess weight around the waist area is an accurate predictor of a whole host of increased health problems, including Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Why is this?

Unfortunately, excess weight around the tummy/ abdominal area is known as visceral fat and due to the close proximity of the internal organs such as the liver, kidneys and pancreas reacts in a different and more harmful way than fat stored elsewhere in the body. This fat is far more metabolically active than fat elsewhere and has been termed ‘toxic fat’.

The pear shapedfat around the hips and thighs does not appear to operate in the same way and is relatively inactive and inert. Too much fat around the waist can affect the way in which insulin is used, which in turn raises blood pressure and increases the amount of cholesterol in the body. Abdominal fat cells can quickly break down stored fats. It then dumps the resulting fatty acids into the bloodstream that can cause high levels of fat and sugar in the blood, thus increasing your risk of diabetes (in the case of excess sugars) and heart disease (in case of fats).

What WC measurement is defined as ‘at risk’?

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has published recommended guidelines, indicating low/elevated/increased health risk by size of WC. The most commonly used cut off points in men are 94 cm (37 inch) or greater, which denotes a moderately increased risk of obesity related complications, and a WC of 102 cm (40 inch) or greater, which denotes a substantial increased risk of obesity related complications. The corresponding WC thresholds for women are 80 (32 inch) and 88 cm (35 inch) respectively.