Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) is measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. BMI does not differentiate between body fat and muscle mass. Therefore, body builders and people who have a lot of muscle bulk will have a high BMI but are not overweight or obese.

BMI is usually a good indicator of body fat for most people. Although it doesn’t directly measure body fat, it closely correlates to direct measures of body fat, such as underwater weighing. BMI is also an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method that can help determine if a person’s current weight could potentially lead to health problems.

It’s important to note that BMI is not a diagnostic tool. Whether a person has a high BMI or low BMI, an individual’s personal measurement should be left to a reputable doctor to determine if excess weight is a health risk. Further assessments may need to be completed including:

• Family history
• Evaluations of diet and physical activity
• Skinfold thickness measurements

BMI Calculator

If you want to compare your weight status to others, BMI is a great method of analysis.

Obesity Complications

This is a partial list of complications or comorbidities from obesity that worsen and can become life-threatening as your weight increases. Each patient is different, and is not possible to predict which or how many health problems or comorbidities and/or complications each patient will develop.

Arterosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease

• Angina
• Elevated cholesterol and/or triglycerides
• Ischemic heart disease(low blood flow)
• Strokes
• Heart failure
• High blood pressure

Respiratory Disease

• Sleep apnea
• Asthma
• Respiratory failure
• Respiratory insufficiency

Pancreatic disease

• Diabetes mellitus

Cancer (increased risk)

• Breast Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Colon Cancer

Gastrointestinal Disease

• Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Fatty liver
• Gallstones
• Liver Cirrhosis

Renal Disease

• High Blood Pressure
• Gout

Orthopedic

• Arthritis
• Gout
• Joint and extremity problems

Gonadal Diseases

• Infertility
• Uterine bleeding
• Menstrual cycle irregularities

Psychological

• Depression
• Low self esteem