Body Assessment

Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number used to determine whether you are at a healthy weight, underweight, overweight or obese.  It is calculated by assessing your weight relative to your height.  A higher BMI usually indicates that you have a higher content of body fat, which can increase your risk for developing certain diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer.

BMI is not used to diagnose disease and does not differentiate between fat mass and lean body mass (ex. muscle, bone, organs, etc.).  BMI is not appropriate for pregnant women, individuals under 18 years old, many athletes and those with a large amount of muscle mass. 

Determine your Body Mass Index and use the chart below to interpret your BMI.  Consider consulting with a healthcare professional if you have a high or low BMI. 

BMI

BMI Interpretation

<18.5

 
  • It is possible you may be at an unhealthy low body weight putting you at risk for certain medical conditions.
  • Check with your healthcare provider to see if you need to gain weight.

18.5-24.9

 
  • Your BMI is in a healthy range.
  • There is no health advantage for you to lose weight unless you are pre-disposed or at-risk for certain medical conditions (ex. high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.).
  • Recheck your BMI every two years and consult your healthcare provider if there are significant changes.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet and engage in physical activity to focus on keeping your BMI in this range.

25-29.9
  • This BMI range corresponds to about 10-15% over ideal body weight. People with BMI's in this range have an increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease.
  • If you have two or more cardiovascular disease risk factors (ex. smoking, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure), weight loss is indicated.
  • If you do not have cardiovascular disease risk factors but choose to lose weight, try a low-fat, high-fiber diet and more physical activity.

> 30
  • This BMI usually corresponds with being 30 or more pounds overweight, which increases a person's risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Weight loss is indicated to improve overall health and lower disease risk.
  • Start with the goal of reducing your current body weight by 10% with a low-fat, high-fiber, calorie-reduced diet and regular exercise.
  • Check with your physician before starting a strenuous exercise program.

 

Body Composition

Body composition is the percentage of body fat to lean body mass (ex. bone, muscle, organs and body fluid).  Your body composition is important in determining your health and fitness.  Body Mass Index and weigh scales measure a person's total body mass, but what it doesn't tell you is how much of your weight is fat or lean body mass.  Body fat takes up more room in the body so two people at the same height and body weight may look completely different from each other because they have different body compositions. 

Everyone needs body fat for energy.  However, too much body fat can increase your risk for developing certain diseases and conditions.  Too little fat could lead your body to break down muscle tissue in order to satisfy energy requirements.  In females, too little body fat can alter hormones levels, stopping menstrual periods and causing osteoporosis.

Common methods of measuring body composition include skin fold calipers, bioelectrical impedance (BIA), hydrostatic underwater weighing, and Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). 

The RPAC offers body composition testing through its B-Fit Program. 

To view the next section, go to Weight Management.

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