What is BMI?

Body mass index (BMI) is calculated from the mass (weight) and height of a person. The BMI is defined as the body mass divided by the square of the body height.

The BMI is a quick and convenient way

BMIs under 20 and over 25 have been associated with higher all-causes mortality, with the risk increasing with distance from the 20–25 range.

Risks of being overweight and obese

According to the World Health Organization the risks of being overweight and obese includes:

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol disorder
• Triglycerides disorder
• Insulin resistance
• Coronary heart disease
• Ischemic stroke
• Diabetes mellitus Type 2

Raised body mass index also increases the risk of cancer of the breast, colon, prostate, endometrium, kidney and gall bladder. Mortality rates increase with increasing degrees of overweight, as measured by body mass index.