What is a Healthy BMI Range?

Body Mass Index Calculation Your body mass index (BMI) refers to the amount of fat on your body. In general, the higher your BMI is, the more fat you have. Doctors often use BMI as a way to determine the kinds of health risks individuals face based on this number.

What Does BMI Measure?

BMI measures the amount of fat on your body and compares this to your height. You can get this number by dividing your weight over your height squared. Taller individuals can typically weigh more than shorter individuals while still having a normal or healthy BMI. For example, a person who is 5 feet 2 inches tall would be considered overweight at 145 pounds and obese starting at around 165 pounds.

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What Are Healthy BMI Measurements?

Individuals with a BMI that is less than 18.5 fall in the underweight range. Those with a BMI that is between 25 and 29.9 are in the overweight range, while those with a BMI of 30 or more are in the obese range. A healthy range for a BMI measurement falls between 18.5 and 24.9. Keep in mind that these same measurement categories apply to women and men who are at least 20 years old.

What Are the Health Risks of a High & Low BMI?

Doctors use BMI as an indicator that an individual might be at risk of developing certain health conditions. Some of the health issues that you might face if you have a high BMI include increased risks of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Other health risks include liver disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and osteoarthritis. Having a BMI that’s too low is also associated with certain health risks, such as bone loss, heart problems, lower immunity, and iron deficiency anemia.

Your doctor will take other factors into consideration, such as your family history and your diet, to provide you with a more accurate assessment of the health risks you might be facing if you do not have a healthy BMI.

How to Prevent a High BMI

You can lower your risk of having a high BMI by keeping your body fat in a healthy range. Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet are effective ways to maintain a healthy BMI range. If you already have a high BMI, exercise regularly and maintain a diet of vegetables, fruits, and whole nutritious foods. These changes can help you lose excess body fat and lower your risk of health complications.

If you would like to find out more about BMI and how it affects your health, schedule a consultation with the experts at Weight Loss and Wellness Center. Our center is dedicated to helping our clients achieve their weight loss goals.