Topic Overview
Your body mass index (BMI) and waist size affect your risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and coronary artery disease. The following table shows the risk.
Body mass index (BMI) and the risk for diseasesClassification | BMI | Waist size and relative risk |
|---|
Men: less than or equal to 102 cm (40 in.) Women: less than or equal to 88 cm (35 in.) |
Men: more than 102 cm (40 in.) Women: more than 88 cm (35 in.) |
Normal | 18.5–24.9 | — | — |
Overweight | 25–29.9 | Increased risk | High risk |
Obesity I | 30–34.9 | High risk | Very high risk |
Obesity II | 35–39.9 | Very high risk | Very high risk |
Obesity III (extreme) | 40 or above | Extremely high risk | Extremely high risk |
Waist size cutoff may be lower for some people.
A BMI under 18.5 is considered unhealthy. There is risk that you are not getting sufficient nutrition (malnutrition). Complications of malnutrition include anemia, nutrient deficiency, heart irregularities, loss of menstrual periods in women (amenorrhea), cavities, and osteoporosis.
Credits
Current as of: March 17, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Brian D. O'Brien MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Rhonda O'Brien MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
