Body Mass Index

Body mass index, or BMI, combines your weight and height into one number. BMI applies to both men and women and is related to total body fat.

People whose BMI is more than 25 face an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, lipid disorders, cardiovascular disease, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and cancer.

To find your BMI:

1. Multiply your weight in pounds by 705.
2. Divide your answer by your height in inches.
3. Divide this answer by your height again.

For example, a 5'6" 185-pound individual has a BMI of about 30.
Recent guidelines define overweight as a BMI of 25-29.9, and obesity as a BMI of 30 and above.

Keep in mind that the BMI is only a guideline. A very muscular, active person could have a high BMI without health risks. On the other hand, a couch potato may have a lower BMI, yet have too much body fat.

If you are overweight or obese, the good news is that losing just 10% of your body weight will bring significant improvements in your health and diabetes control.