You’ve had your BMI measured for years and probably didn’t even know it. Every time you go to the doctor, the nurse takes your vitals and measures your weight; sometimes they measure your height. These measurements allow them to calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index)—the amount of body fat you have. A BMI of 19-24.9 indicates normal weight; less than 19 is considered underweight; 25-29.9 is considered overweight; and 30 or higher is considered obese.
Why should you care?
By maintaining a healthy weight and normal BMI, you’re likely to have:
- Fewer joint and muscle pains
- More energy
- Better regulation of bodily fluids and blood pressure
- Reduced burden to your heart and circulatory system
- Better sleep
- Reductions in blood triglycerides, blood sugar, and the risk of developing diabetes
- Reduced risk for heart disease and certain cancers
Being overweight or obese puts you at a greater risk of developing diabetes mellitus, heart disease, osteoarthritis of the hips, knees and ankles (due to increased wear and tear on those joints), and a host of other medical problems. Don’t forget your HealthTeam Advantage plan includes complimentary membership to SilverSneakers.
You’re at a higher risk of health issues if your BMI is 35-39.9. Your risk of medical complications, (heart attack or stroke that could result in death), is significantly elevated.
Excess weight increases the work your heart must do. It also raises blood pressure and blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and lowers HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It can make diabetes more likely to develop, too. Lifestyle changes that help you maintain a 3-5% weight loss are likely to result in clinically meaningful improvements in blood glucose, triglycerides, and risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Greater weight loss can even help reduce blood pressure and improve blood cholesterol.
How do you calculate your BMI?
It’s easy to calculate your BMI using an online calculator, such as this one from the Centers for Disease Control. Visit the CDC’s About BMI page to learn how the BMI is calculated.
(Adapted from Obesity Education Initiative: Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Obesity Research 1998, 6 Suppl 2:51S-209S) Source: HTA medical advisors and the American Heart Association
