The BMI - Overweight or Obese? 

Overweight and Obese are two separate terms, and Body Mass Index (BMI) differentiates them. A more accurate picture of the body’s composition can be obtained through BMI which is a measure of person’s – weight to height ratio.

1. For Weight in kilograms and Height in meters –

                      Weight
   BMI =    -----------------------
               (Height) x (Height)
       
2. For Weight in pounds and height in inches –

                  Weight x 703
   BMI =    -----------------------
               (Height) x (Height)
      

People with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight and people with a BMI of 30 or greater are considered obese. BMI acts as a health risk indicator, and states that, adults with a BMI of 25 or above face risks of disability and premature death.

BMI Diet Chart can tell you whether you are fat for your height.

Obesity Health Risks 

The below mentioned health problems are faced by persons who have a BMI of 25 and above –

Angina pectoris, loss of bladder control, cancer (including breast, colon, endometrial and prostate), congestive heart failure and coronary heart disease, gall stones, intolerance to glucose, gout, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, hyperinsulinemia, irregular ovulation, infertility and menstrual irregularities, osteoarthritis, complications in pregnancy, eating disorders; lowered self esteem, depression and other psychological disorders; respiratory problems, sleep apnea, stroke, type 2 diabetes.

These conditions can be inconvenient or life threatening. But many of us take things lightly and instead of reducing the risk of these problems by controlling weight, we seek temporary relief by taking medicines, prescribed by a doctor.