Body Mass Index (BMI)

The Body Mass Index or BMI is measure of body fat based on height & weight that applies to both adult men & women.

BMI does not differentiate between body fat & muscle mass.  So, body builders & people who have a lot of muscle bulk will have a high BMI but will not be classified as overweight or obese1.

BMI Classifications2

Classification BMI
Underweight  <19
Ideal BMI 19-25
Overweight 25-30
Obese >30
Severely Obese >35
Morbidly Obese >40
Super Obese >50

An obese person can develop a certain body profile

Use our Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator on the right side to determine your BMI.

Two different types of fat deposits

Fat predominantly distributed around the waist is also a risk factor for health complications such as cardiovascular disease & type II diabetes.  Fat predominantly deposited around the hips & buttocks does not seem to carry this same risk level. 

Find out more about obesity:

References

  1. Victorian Government, Better Health Channel, available at http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Body_Mass_Index_(BMI)?opendocument, last accessed 09/01/11
  2. World Health Organisation, Global Database on Body Mass Index, available at http://apps.who.int/bmi/index.jsp?introPage=intro_3.html , last accessed 09/01/11

Meet Dr Reza Adib

In 2006 Dr Reza Adib established & founded the Brisbane Obesity Clinic.

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