Main Content
Top of the page
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.
Classification
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
Very high risk
Obesity II
35–39.9
Obesity III (extreme)
40 or above
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.
Current as of: May 14, 2023
Author: Healthwise StaffClinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
