What is BMI and Why is BMI Important?

• BMI stands for “Body Mass Index,” a ratio between weight and height. • BMI is a standard “tool” for helping you judge your body weight and the amount of

body fat you have. • For older adults the BMI normal range is 18-25. The higher the BMI number above

the normal range (18-25), the greater the degree of overweight. Generally speaking

an adult BMI of 27 is considered overweight and 30 or above is severely overweight. • People with a higher percentage of body fat tend to have a higher BMI except for

body builders. • Carrying excess body fat, not muscle, puts you at greater risk for health problems

such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke.

Exceptions to BMI?

• BMI is a better predictor of disease risk than body weight alone. However, there are certain people who should not use BMI as the basis for determining relative disease risk.

• Competitive athletes and body builders, whose BMI is high due to a relatively larger amount of muscle, and women who are pregnant or lactating should not be disturbed if their BMI is not within the normal range.

• The BMI for children and teens is calculated the same way. But you must put the BMI on a growth chart to find out what it means. A BMI greater than the 85th percentile for age is considered “at risk for overweight.” A BMI greater than the 95th percentile is considered “overweight.” A BMI less than the 5th percentile is considered “at risk for underweight.”

Why is BMI important?

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If your BMI is high, you may have an increased risk of developing certain diseases including:

-high blood pressure -heart disease -high cholesterol and blood lipids (LDL) -Type 2 Diabetes -sleep apnea -osteoarthritis -female infertility -gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) -urinary stress incontinence

Prevention of further weight gain is important and weight reduction is desirable.

What should my BMI be?

For Adults • Normal BMI 18.5 – 24.9 • Underweight BMI < 18.5• Overweight BMI 25 – 29.9 • Obesity BMI 30 – 39.9 • Extreme Obesity BMI > 40

How can I improve my BMI?

Improving Your Health • Weight reduction is an important way to reduce your BMI and improve your

overall health. • Even a modest 10% reduction from your current weight is beneficial to your

health. For instance, a 5’2” female who weighs 150 pounds (BMI=27), can improve her health by losing as little as twelve pounds, reducing her BMI to 25.

Tipping the Scales in Your Favor • The Energy Balance Equation is the key factor in the weight loss, weight gain

puzzle. • Consistently consuming more energy (calories) than you burn will cause

weight gain and burning more energy (calories) than you consume will cause weight reduction.

Remember These Tips:

Set Realistic Goals • The best way to lose weight and keep it off is to balance the foods you eat

with daily physical activity. • Losing more than 1 to 2 pounds per week is unhealthy and greatly improves

the chances of gaining the weight back. Magic Pills and Potions: • There are none, so don’t waste your money or time. • If you eat a healthy diet and get the recommended 30 minutes or more of daily

physical activity – excess weight will melt off (magician not included).