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BMI and What Does it Mean?
BMI and What Does it Mean?
BMI and What Does it Mean?

Body Mass Index Explained

BMI stands for body mass index. This is a calculation based on height and weight and is calculated by the weight in kg divided by the height in mm. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has issued classifications for BMI. Normal BMI is 18.5-24.9 and anything under 18.5 is considered underweight. An individual is classified as being overweight if his or her BMI is 25.0 to 29.9, obese if the BMI is 30-39, and morbidly obese if the BMI is greater than or equal to 40. The 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Survey indicated that 32.2% of adult men and 35.5% of adult women are obese, which is a significant change from the 1988-1994 studies.

BMI is important for a number of reasons. Conditions associated with high BMI include congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and Type 2 diabetes. Your joint health is affected by having a high BMI. Patients with a high BMI also have an increased risk of complications after surgery.

By knowing your BMI you have a tool which can help you manage your healthcare decisions. If you have a BMI of 25.0 or over, talk with your primary care provider about ways to improve your health and well-being and then implement them!

written by: Suzy Cummings, RN
Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic

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