It is the acronym for body mass index, the federal government’s standard for body weight. This
represents the proportion of height to weight, expressed as the ratio between a subject’s weight and height (normal range, 18.5–24.9).
The BMI provides a much better measurement of body fat than the traditional weight and height charts. For example, currently anyone with a BMI >25 is considered overweight; however, older standards classify men with a BMI >27.3 as overweight and women with a BMI >27.8 as overweight.
In fact, those with a BMI of 25.0–29.9 are overweight, and those with a BMI >30.0 are obese. In
younger subjects, a BMI >25 is a good predictor of cardiovascular risk. Yet, this may not apply to the
elderly.
represents the proportion of height to weight, expressed as the ratio between a subject’s weight and height (normal range, 18.5–24.9).
The BMI provides a much better measurement of body fat than the traditional weight and height charts. For example, currently anyone with a BMI >25 is considered overweight; however, older standards classify men with a BMI >27.3 as overweight and women with a BMI >27.8 as overweight.
In fact, those with a BMI of 25.0–29.9 are overweight, and those with a BMI >30.0 are obese. In
younger subjects, a BMI >25 is a good predictor of cardiovascular risk. Yet, this may not apply to the
elderly.