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Created 2006
Updated 01 Feb 2010

 

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Assessing your risk for obesity-associated diseases

Step 1: Body Mass Index (BMI) - Aim for a Healthy Weight

View BMI Chart or

Calculate Your BMI:

Height:  feet and  inch(es)

Weight:  pounds (Note: 8 ounces = 0.5 pounds)

Your BMI:

. . . .

BMI is a reliable indicator of total body fat, which is related to the risk of disease and death. The score is valid for both men and women but it does have some limits:

  • 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 mass.

    After you've calculated your BMI, check the list below for where you fit in:

  • Underweight = <18.5
  • Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
  • Overweight = 25-29.9
  • Obesity = 30-34.9
  • Morbid obesity = 35 or greater

     

    • Step 2: Waist circumference

    Determine your waist circumference by placing a measuring tape snugly around your waist. It is a good indicator of your abdominal fat which is another predictor of your risk for developing risk factors for heart disease and other diseases. This risk increases with a waist measurement of over 40 inches in men and over 35 inches in women

    The table below - 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

    Disease Risk* Relative to Normal Weight and Waist Circumference

    BMI
    (kg/m2)
    Obesity
    Class
    Men 102 cm (40 in) or less
    Women 88 cm (35 in) or less
    Men > 102 cm (40 in)
    Women > 88 cm (35 in)
    Underweight
    < 18.5

    -
    -
    Normal
    18.5 - 24.9

    -
    -
    Overweight
    25.0 - 29.9
    Increased
    High
    Obesity
    30.0 - 34.9
    I
    High
    Very High

    35.0 - 39.9
    II
    Very High
    Very High
    Extreme Obesity
    40.0 +
    III
    Extremely High
    Extremely High

    ----------

    *     Disease risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and CVD.
    +     Increased waist circumference can also be a marker for increased risk even in persons of normal weight.

     

    Step 3: Other Risk Factors

    Besides being overweight or obese, you need to consider these additional risk factors:

  • you are a male aged at least 45 years.
  • you are a female aged at least 55 years or you are a postmenopausal woman.
  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • high LDL-cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol)
  • low HDL-cholesterol ("good" cholesterol)
  • high triglycerides
  • high blood glucose (sugar)
  • one or more members of your immediate family (parents or siblings) had premature severe heart disease. Premature means before age 55 in a male relative or before age 65 in a female relative. Severe heart disease means either a heart attack or sudden death assumed to be heart-related.
  • physical inactivity
  • cigarette smoking

     

    • Step 4: Assessment

    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, the guidelines recommend weight loss.

    Even a small weight loss (just 10 percent of your current weight) will help to lower your risk of developing diseases associated with obesity.

    Patients who are overweight, do not have a high waist measurement, and have less than 2 risk factors may need to prevent further weight gain rather than lose weight. Talk to your doctor to see if you are at an increased risk and if you should lose weight. Your doctor will evaluate your BMI, waist measurement, and others risk factors for heart disease. People who are overweight or obese have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or other lipid disorders, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, and even a small weight loss (just 10 percent of your current weight) will help to lower your risk of developing those diseases.

     

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