Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI compares your height to your weight. A higher BMI increases the risk of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, diabetes and some cancers.

Know What Range You Are In

• Underweight: Below 18.5
• Normal: 18.5 – 24.9
• Overweight: 25.0 – 29.9
• Obese: 30.0 and above

Maintain a Healthy BMI

• Set realistic goals. Maintaining weight loss takes hard work, so be sure to set a goal that is attainable.
• Self-monitor your progress. Keeping a record of how you’re doing will improve your likelihood of success.
• Learn more about nutrition and meal planning. Then choose a diet you can stick with for at least the beginning of your weight loss program.
• Exercise. Start slowly and work your way up to more.
• Talk to a doctor. If your lifestyle changes aren’t enough, consulting a doctor may help.
• Stay positive. Small changes do make a difference, and they add up.