Compare your reading with the following:

Underweight = < 18.5

Normal Weight = < 18.5 – 24.9

Overweight = 25 – 29.9

Obese = 30 or greater

The higher the BMI, once over the “normal” range, the higher the risk of certain conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, respiratory difficulties, and some types of cancers.

In some cases, especially in larger-framed and/or very fit and athletic individuals, whose bodies may be more muscular than the average, the BMI result can be somewhat misleading.  Muscle tissue weighs more than fat, and thus such a person will have a higher BMI score, and yet actually have a low percentage of body fat and be very physically fit and in excellent health.

Another factor to consider along with your BMI is your waist circumference.  If most of your weight is centered around your waistline area, rather than around your hips, you could be at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and many other illnesses.  If your waist size is more than 35″ for women, and 40″ for men, your potential risk for many serious conditions can increase even further.

If you sense that you are carrying more weight than is healthy for you personally, Dr. Allen can tailor an  medical weight loss program for your unique needs.  For more information, you can click on the title Individualized Medical Weight Loss Programs located in the Treatments section of this website.