Figuring out your Body Mass Index

So most physicians these days are using the Body Mass Index (BMI) to quickly assess a patient/client's risk or disease and level of overweight or underweight or normal weight. So I figured I'd fill ya in on what it means... basically you just enter your height and weight into the calculator and it will give you a number. This number is your BMI. Following are the groupings and what they mean:

• Underweight = less than 18.5
• Normal weight = 18.5 - 24.9
• Overweight = 25-29.9
• Obese = 30 or greater

So basically, you want to try to get, or keep, your BMI within a "normal" range. However, there are a few things to consider when looking at the BMI. It doesn't take into account muscle or build. So for example, if you are a very large, very muscular football player, you may be consiered "Obese" but actually be very healthy. So don't put 100% faith into this number just use it to discuss concerns with your physician. I tell people that its just another number, so use it as a reference point. If right now you are a 25.5 and a few months from now it goes up to 26 or 27 (and you're an adult, so you know you're not getting any taller) than maybe its a sign you need to pay a bit more attention to what you're eating ; )