Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool which can be used to determine if your body weight falls into a healthy or unhealthy category. The BMI ranges are based on the effect body weight has on disease and death.* As BMI increases, the risk of developing disease increases. However it is important to remember that body weight is only one factor related to the causes of disease. The BMI formula is unable to decipher Fat Mass from Fat Free Mass (muscle, bone, water weight, etc.) and therefore the results may be inaccurate. For example, a participant with a high proportion of muscle may be scored as "at risk", although this may not be the case.
Other assessment tools such as heart rate, blood pressure, skin fold, diet and lifestyle should also be used in conjunction with BMI for a more detailed understanding of the state of your health. Book a personal Wellness Assessment with a member of our Health + Fitness staff today to find out just what shape you're really in.
Use the BMI tool below to get an indication of your weight category.
BMI Results Chart **
19 or less = Health Risk (Unhealthy)
20 to 25 = Low Risk (Healthy)
26 to 30 = Moderate Health Risk (Unhealthy)
31 or more = High Health Risk (Unhealthy)
** The Physician and Sport Medicine 1986; Mar :144-152
