Body Mass Index - BMI
The BMI is
the recommended way to define healthy body
weight. Its importance as a guideline is
becoming increasingly apparent since
Americans are in the midst of an obesity
epidemic. Likely our greatest health risk,
obesity results in early onset of multiple
diseases including diabetes, arthritis,
heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, and
many forms of cancer.
The body
mass index is the relationship of height to
weight in adults. It is independent of sex
and age. Simple calculators are readily
available.
BMI
20 -26
Optimal weight for most people
27 -29
Overweight: Moderate risk
30 -35
Obese: High risk
BMI is just
one of many factors related to developing a
chronic disease. Levels of BMI must be
correlated with the following.
Diet
Physical
Activity
Waist
Circumference (35 in women and 40 in men
indicates high risk.)
Blood
Pressure
Blood Sugar
Level
Cholesterol
Level
Family
History of disease
Bill Ziering
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