Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference Screening Numbers
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, and can contribute to the development of high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Also, being overweight can increase the risk of developing some types of cancer, and can make other health problems such as arthritis and sleep disorders worse.
Losing even a small amount of weight can improve many of these health problems.
Sister to Sister uses two screening measures to determine overweight or obesity: body mass index and waist circumference.
Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height.
To calculate your personal BMI, go to:
What your BMI numbers mean
| Level | Number | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 | |
| Normal | 18.5-24.9 | Good for you! Try not to gain any weight. |
| Overweight | 25.0-29.9 | Avoid gaining more weight. You need to lose weight if you are overweight and you have two or more heart disease risk factors or you have a high waist measurement. Consult a doctor or registered dietician. |
| Obese | 30.0 and above | Lose weight slowly. Aim for 1 to 2 pounds a week. Consult a doctor or registered dietician. |
Waist Circumference
In addition to BMI, getting a waist measure is another way to find out if your weight puts you at risk for heart disease. To get a measurement, place a tape measure around your waist just above your hip bone. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight.
A waist measure of 35 inches or more for women is high. A high waist measure increases your risk for heart disease.
Information Sources:
