| BMI
Ranges: |
|
| Underweight |
<
20 |
| Ideal |
20-25 |
| Overweight |
25-30 |
| Obese |
>
30 |
If
your BMI is below 20:
This indicates a lean BMI, which means you have a low amount of body
fat. If you are an athlete, this can be desirable. If you are not an
athlete, a lean BMI can indicate that your weight may be too low
which may lower your immunity. If your BMI and body weight are low,
you should consider gaining weight through good diet and exercise
habits, to increase your muscle mass.
If
your BMI is between 20 and 22:
This indicates the ideal, healthy amount of body fat, which is
associated with living longest, and the lowest incidence of serious
illness. Coincidentally, it seems this ratio is what many
individuals perceive to be the most aesthetically attractive.
If
your BMI is between 22 and 25:
This is still considered an acceptable range, and is associated with
good health.
If
your BMI is between 25 and 30:
You are considered “Hefty” and should finds ways to lower your
weight, through diet and exercise. You are at increased risk for a
variety of illnesses at your present weight. You should lose weight
by changing your diet and exercising more.
If
your BMI is over 30:
This indicates an unhealthy condition, your excess “Phat” is
putting you at risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood
pressure, gall bladder disease and some cancers. You should lose
weight by changing your diet and exercising more.
| One
variable BMI fails to consider is lean body mass. It is possible
for a healthy, muscular individual with very low body fat to be
classified obese using the BMI formula. If you are a trained
athlete, your weight based on your measured percent body fat
would be a better indicator of what you should weigh. |
In 1995, the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the American
Health Foundation issued new guidelines that defines healthy weight
as a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 25. In a recent study, 59% of
Americans exceeded this weight.
There are many
adverse health effects that accompany obesity, the most common being
high blood pressure, but including heart disease, diabetes, cancer,
and an increased risk of death from all causes.
Click
here to view our BMI Weight Chart
