The Truth About Your BMI

Your BMI is in the normal range? Good news, but you may not be in the clear. People with normal BMIs can have increased risk for heart disease if they have high body fat. Researchers term this paradoxical condition ‘normal weight obesity.’ People have a body mass index in the normal range (18.5-24.9) but have a body fat percentage of 30% or greater for women or 20% or greater for men should work on eating right and getting exercise in order to prevent heart problems.

The most dramatic risks, however, are for people with extreme BMIs on both ends – people with very high BMIs and people with very low BMIs. BMIs of 25 – 30 are classified as ‘overweight;’ above 30 BMIS are considered ‘obese’ and carry the greatest risks. BMIs that are less than 18.5 also are associated with health risks; these individuals are considered underweight.

It’s easy to find your BMI, but how do you find your body fat? The only precise measurement needs to be done in a lab setting, but you can keep track of your waistline as a guideline. As long as your waist stays relatively the same, you’ll know that you are keeping the most dangerous type of fat, belly fat, away. So next time you are finding your BMI, be sure to find your body fat, too.