Body Mass Index

Body mass index (BMI) is measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. BMI does not differentiate between body fat and muscle mass. Therefore, body builders and people who have a lot of muscle bulk will have a high BMI but are not overweight.

BMI Calculator

Fat predominantly distributed around the waist is also a risk factor for health complications such as cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. Fat predominantly deposited around the hips and buttocks doesn't have this same risk.

Being overweight or underweight can affect your health

If you are overweight (BMI over 25), you may develop:

• Cardiovascular (heart and blood circulation) disease
• Gall bladder disease
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
• Osteoarthritis-this is induced by the excess weight of obesity and can be a major problem. If inadequately managed it can be a barrier to adequate weight loss
• Certain types of cancer, i.e. breast, colon, endometrium and prostate
• Social implications that is often neglected

If you are underweight (BMI less than 20), you may develop:

• Malnourishment
• Compromised immune function
• Respiratory disease
• Tuberculosis (an infection of the lung)
• Digestive (stomach) disease
• Cancer
• Osteoporosis