Weight status is defined as a ratio of weight to height called Body Mass Index, or BMI for short. You can calculate your BMI by using the formula below or clicking on Helpful Links, and then searching the Tools Links for the BMI calculator.
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BMI = (weight in pounds X 703) / (height in inches)2 |
Use the table below to determine into which weight category your BMI falls. As your weight moves from Healthy to Overweight and Obese, you increase your risk for developing illnesses associated with excess weight. Equally unhealthy is being Underweight which is typically an indication that you are not getting enough nutrients and energy to keep your mind and body healthy.
| Weight Category | BMI |
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Healthy | 18.5 to 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 to 29.9 |
| Class I Obesity | 30 to 34.9 |
| Class II Obesity | 35 to 39.9 |
| Class III Obesity | > 40 |
Medical risks associated with increasing degrees of overweight and obesity are well-documented and include:
- Heart disease (which increases the risk of heart attack and death)
- Dyslipidemia (disorder of fat metabolism – most often unhealthy amounts of fat in the bloodstream; increases risk for heart disease)
- Stroke (which can kill or permanently disable)
- Gallbladder disease
- Various Cancers (particularly endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon)
- Type 2 diabetes (which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, blindness, loss of limbs, depression)
- Hypertension (which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke)
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea (cessation of breathing during sleep)
- Respiratory (breathing) problems
- Obstetrical complications
- Menstrual irregularities
- Hirsutism (excessive body hair, particularly on the face, torso, and limbs)
- Stress incontinence (inability to maintain bladder control)
Medical risks associated with increasing degrees of underweight and malnourishment are also well-documented and described in the section of this website that talks about Eating Disorders.