Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement calculated from a person's weight and height that provides an indicator of body fatness. The document outlines BMI categories and their associated weight statuses from underweight to obese. It notes that both very low and very high BMIs can present the greatest health risks and that other lifestyle factors like smoking, lack of exercise, and poor diet also influence health risks even within the normal BMI range.

1.  Body
Mass Index (BMI) is a number
calculated from a person's weight
and height.
 BMI is a fairly reliable indicator of body
fatness for most people.

2. BMI
Below 18.5
18.5 – 24.9
25.0 – 29.9
30.0 and Above
Weight Status
Underweight
Normal
Overweight
Obese

3. People with very low or very high BMIs tend to
have the greatest health risks. Even so, BMI is
only one factor in your overall health. For
example, if your BMI falls into the normal
weight category, you will still have a higher risk
of health problems if you:
• Smoke cigarettes
• Do not participate in regular physical activity
• Eat lots of nutrient-poor foods with added fat
and sugar.

4. If your BMI is in the overweight category, you will
have a lower overall health risk if you:
• Get regular physical activity
• Have blood pressure, blood sugar and
cholesterol levels that are within normal limits.
http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=
6844

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Hypertension
Dyslipidemia (for example, high LDL cholesterol, low
HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides)
Type 2 diabetes
Coronary heart disease
Stroke
Gallbladder disease
Osteoarthritis
Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
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http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.htm
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