Sedgwick County, Kansas Health Department
Health Calculators

Body Mass Index

One first step to taking charge of your health is knowing your Body Mass Index. The term BMI is often used when discussing the obesity epidemic, but what is BMI?  Use the Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator to find which weight category your BMI matches

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a number that shows body weight adjusted for height. BMI can be calculated with simple math using inches and pounds, or meters and kilograms. For adults aged 20 years or older, BMI falls into one of these categories: underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.

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BMI- Body Mass Index

So you have calculated your BMI and found which weight category your BMI matches. What does this all mean?

BMI is not the only indicator of health risk.
BMI is just one of many factors related to developing a chronic disease (such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes). Other factors that may be important to look at when assessing your risk for chronic disease include:

• Eating Habits

• Physical Activity

• Waist Circumference

• Blood Pressure

• Blood Sugar Level

• Cholesterol Level

• Family History of disease

All persons who are obese or overweight should try not to gain additional weight. In addition, those who are obese or who are overweight with other risk factors should consider losing weight. A complete health assessment by a physician is the best way to decide the right steps for you.

Whatever your BMI, talk to your doctor to see if you are at an increased risk for disease and if you should lose weight. Even a small weight loss (just 10% of your current weight) may help to lower the risk of disease.

Physical activity and good nutrition are key factors in leading a healthy lifestyle and reducing risk for disease.
 

Date last reviewed: 04/30/2008
Content source: Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

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