The Body mass index (BMI) is measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. BMI correlates with body fat. The relation between fatness and BMI differs with age and gender. For example, women are more likely to have a higher percent of body fat than men for the same BMI. On average, older people may have more body fat than younger adults with the same BMI
Underweight = < 18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obese = BMI of 30 or greater
The BMI ranges are based on the effect body weight has on disease and death. As BMI increases, the risk for some disease increases. Some common conditions related to overweight and obesity include
Premature death
Cardiovascular disease
High blood pressure
Osteoarthritis
Some cancers
Diabetes