Body Mass Index and Lifestyle
Action Plan for Weight
Reach a Healthier Weight
Tips & Tools to Lose Weight
Emotional Health
Tobacco
Risk Factors and Treatment Options
Community Programs
Tools for Clinicians
Body Mass Index and Your Lifestyle
Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement that allows you to reliably assess any risks that you may have for medical problems due to excess body weight. If your BMI is over 25, you are at increased risk for developing some health problems. If your BMI is over 30, your health risks are significant. It is important to know what your BMI is so you can adapt your lifestyle changes to prevent further weight gain before you develop medical complications.
How to find your BMI: Match your weight on the top row with your height on the far left column and locate the corresponding BMI value on the chart.
If your BMI is...
19 – 24 LESS RISK: Your weight is probably within a healthy range. It is important for you to maintain and not gain weight. If you have started to gain weight and your BMI is getting close to 25, you may want to consider some lifestyle changes such as those recommended on the back of this page. However, a BMI of less than 19 may not be healthy, and you may wish to discuss with your health care professional what weight is right for you.
25 – 29 MORE RISK: Your weight may put you at risk for developing some medical problems, especially if you are not physically active. Take steps now to better manage your weight. Look at the back of this page for some suggestions. A small amount of weight loss can make a big difference to your health.
30 and Above HIGHEST RISK: Your weight greatly increases your risk for serious medical problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, arthritis, breathing and sleeping problems, some types of cancer, and even depression and other mental conditions. Talk to your doctor or other health care professional today about how to get started with lifestyle changes to better manage your weight.