Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk
Assessment of weight and health risk involves using three key measures:
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Waist circumference
- Risk factors for diseases and conditions associated with obesity
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a useful measure of overweight and obesity. It is calculated from your height and weight. BMI is an estimate of body fat and a good gauge of your risk for diseases that can occur with more body fat. The higher your BMI, the higher your risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers.
It important to note BMI can be a gage but does have some limitations:
- It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.
- It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle.
BMI Table
| Body Mass Index | Category |
|---|---|
| < 17 | Too low |
| 17–20 | Underweight |
| 20–25 | Perfect |
| 25–30 | Minor obesity |
| 30–35 | Unhealthy obesity |
| 35–40 | Extremely unhealthy obesity |
| > 40 | Severe adiposotas |
Waist Circumference
Measuring waist circumference helps screen for possible health risks that come with overweight and obesity. If most of your fat is around your waist rather than at your hips, you’re at a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This risk goes up with a waist size that is greater than 35 inches for women or greater than 40 inches for men. To correctly measure your waist, stand and place a tape measure around your middle, just above your hipbones. Measure your waist just after you breathe out.
The table Risks of Obesity-Associated Diseases by BMI and Waist Circumference provides you with an idea of whether your BMI combined with your waist circumference increases your risk for developing obesity-associated diseases or conditions.
Classification of Overweight and Obesity by BMI, Waist Circumference, and Associated Disease Risks
Risk Factors for Diseases and Conditions Associated With Obesity
Along with being overweight or obese, the following conditions will put you at greater risk for heart disease and other conditions:
Risk Factors
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol)
- Low HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol)
- High triglycerides
- High blood glucose (sugar)
- Family history of premature heart disease
- Physical inactivity
- Cigarette smoking
For people who are considered obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30) or those who are overweight (BMI of 25 to 29.9) and have two or more risk factors, it is recommended that you lose weight. Even a small weight loss (between 5 and 10 percent of your current weight) will help lower your risk of developing diseases associated with obesity. People who are overweight, do not have a high waist measurement, and have fewer than two risk factors may need to prevent further weight gain rather than lose weight.
Always check with your doctor for suggestions regarding your current situation. However here at Fuel SVN we are also a great partner for you to have regarding teaching you how to supplement your nutritional needs to meet your weight loss or gain goals.
Although people may be at a higher risk, it is reassuring to know even a small amount of weight loss (5%-10% of body weight) will help lower their risk of developing disease and is great start at increasing overall health.