In other words, even though calculating BMI is quick and easy to perform, the results can be misinterpreted. For example, individuals who are extremely muscular or have large frames may have a high BMI score resulting in a label of "overweight" or even "obese", while older adults with decreased lean tissue, lower bone density, and excess body fat may score "normal". As a result, BMI can incorrectly categorize some individuals. BMI only shows the relation between height and weight. However, since body weight includes bone, lean tissue (primarily muscle), and fat it is important to know that BMI does not assess actual body composition or a person's percentage of body fat. The table above can be used to determine your body mass classification to create awareness about the health risks of having overweight or obesity and to set long-term weight-loss goals.įor most people, BMI is a quick and easy way to assess body mass, which is why it is so commonly used. As BMI increases, so do health risks for several preventable causes of premature death including stroke, heart disease, certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. This objective assessment compares your body weight to your height to come up with a value that indicates whether you have underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obesity. If your BMI is over 35, your GP may advise you on additional options available to support you with losing weight.A frequently used calculation to assess a person's body mass and associated risks) is called the body mass index, or BMI. Aim to exercise more and eat healthy balanced diet.įor individualised medical and dietary advice consult your GP and Dietitian. You lose weight if the amount of energy coming into your body is less than what is being used up by your body. The good news is that even losing small amounts of weight can benefit your health. It is important that you take steps to reduce your weight. Obese(BMI 30+)Īs your BMI increases, your risk of developing coronary heart disease, diabetes and some cancers increases. For individualised medical and dietary advice consult your GP and Dietitian. Aim to exercise more and eat a healthy balanced diet. Keeping to a healthy weight will help you control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Overweight(BMI 25 to 30)īeing overweight increases your risk of developing coronary heart disease, as well as other health conditions such as diabetes. Some researchers have suggested that a BMI range of 22-26 is acceptable for older Australians. To check BMI divide your weight by your height squared. categorized as 35.0 of men and 40.4 of women class 3 obesity (BMI over 40) values were 7.7 for. Use this tool now to know you are a healthy weight, overweight, obese or underweight broadly based on tissue mass (muscle, fat, and bone) and height. Most adults should be active for 30 minutes on most days.įor older Australians, your general health may be more important than being mildly overweight. BMI Calculator for women finds Body Mass Index given weight and height. BMI Calculator checks your body mass index (BMI) and finds out if youre a healthy weight. But we recommend that you also check your waist measurement.Īim to keep within the ideal weight range by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. You are a healthy weight for your height. If you're concerned about your weight or you are losing weight without trying, talk to your GP and Dietitian to make sure there aren't any other problems causing this. Being in the healthy weight range will improve your body's ability to fight off infection or illness. It's important to aim to keep within your healthy weight range.