Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. BMI is a reliable indicator of total body fat, which is related to the risk of developing obesity-associated diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancers.

• It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.
• It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass.

Besides being overweight or obese, there are additional risk factors to consider:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High LDL-cholesterol (”bad” cholesterol)
• Low HDL-cholesterol (”good” cholesterol)
• High triglycerides
• High blood glucose (sugar)
• Family history of premature heart disease
• Physical inactivity
• Cigarette smoking

For people who are considered obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30) or those who are overweight (BMI of 25 to 29.9) and have two or more risk factors, the guidelines recommend weight loss. People who are overweight, do not have a high waist measurement, and have less than 2 risk factors may need to prevent further weight gain rather than lose weight.

Talk to your doctor to see if you are at an increased risk and if you should lose weight. Your doctor will evaluate your BMI, waist measurement, and others risk factors. People who are overweight or obese have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or other lipid disorders, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, and even a small weight loss (just 10 percent of your current weight) will help to lower your risk of developing those diseases.

References: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute