What does this tool measure?
This interactive tool estimates your risk of
weight-related diseases by using your body mass index (BMI) along with your
waist measurement and other factors. BMI is an estimate of body fat. The higher
the BMI, the greater the risk of some diseases, including high blood pressure,
coronary artery disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, some cancers, and type 2
diabetes.
What does your score mean?
Your score will appear as
one of the following ranges:
- Healthy weight and waist size:
Your weight and waist size do not put you at risk for serious health
problems.
- Moderate risk: Your weight or waist size is
one reason you are at moderate risk for serious health problems. Talk to your
doctor about ways to lower your risk.
- High risk: Your
weight or waist size is one reason you are at higher-than-normal risk for
serious health problems that could shorten your life. Talk to your doctor about
ways to lower your risk.
What's next?
If you are concerned about your score,
talk to your doctor about developing a healthy lifestyle. For more information,
see the topic
Weight Management.
Source: U.S.
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health
(2000). The Practical Guide: Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. (NIH Publication No.
00-4084). Available online:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/prctgd_c.pdf.
References
Other Works Consulted
- Purnell JQ (2008). Obesity. In DC Dale,
DD Federman, eds., ACP Medicine, section 3, chap. 10.
Hamilton, ON: BC Decker.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator |
|---|
| Last Revised | March 15, 2011 |
|---|
