Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are used to identify if you are at increased risk of developing health problems because of your body weight or shape.
Your level of health risk is not defined by your BMI and waist circumference alone. Other lifestyle habits such as eating, smoking, physical activity levels and certain medical conditions can also affect health risk. To determine your health risk level you need to have a complete health assessment with your doctor.
"These measurements are not for everyone"
Adult body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference should not be used for individuals under 18 years of age*, or for pregnant and lactating women.
Body mass index may not accurately predict health risk in:
- Adults who are not finished growing
- Adults who naturally have a very lean or a very muscular build
- Certain racial and ethnic groups
- Adults over the age of 65**
For more information please see Health Canada's full report available online at: www.healthcanada.ca/nutrition
*BMI growth charts can be used for children but these are different than the adult BMI ranges discussed in this fact sheet.
**For adults 65 years and older a healthy BMI range may be slightly above 18.5 and may extend into the overweight range (25.0-29.9).
Using BMI to assess health risk**
Adults with a BMI less than 18.5 are classified as underweight and may be at an increased risk of certain health problems, including:
- Osteoporosis and osteopenia (brittle bones)
- Infertility, irregular or no menstrual periods
- Decreased ability to fight illness and infection
- Hair loss or growth of hair on face and neck
- Feeling cold all the time
- Eating disorders or other illnesses
Adults with a BMI above 24.9 are classified as overweight and may be at an increased risk of certain health problems, including:
- Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol, high blood pressure or heart disease
- Certain cancers
- Difficulty breathing during sleep (sleep apnea)
- Gallbladder disease
- Painful joints and back
Determine your body mass index
Body mass index (BMI) measures the ratio of your weight to your height. Use the chart on the next page to determine your body mass index or use the following website.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Chart
This chart is the same for males and females.
- Find your height on the chart.
- Find your weight on the chart.
- Circle the number where they cross.
- This number is your body mass index.
Record your body mass index in the next column.
Record your BMI
- Determine your body mass index:
- My body mass index (BMI) is: __________
- Use the classification table below to determine if you are underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese.
|
Body mass index (BMI) |
Classification |
| less than 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25 - 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 and up | Obese |
Using waist circumference to assess health risk
Waist circumference is a measure of the health risk associated with too much stomach fat.
Men with a waist circumference more than 102 cm (40 in) and women with a waist circumference more than 88 cm (35 in) are at increased risk of developing health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Measure your waist circumference
You may want someone to help you measure the distance around your waist with a tape measure. The picture shows you the correct area on your body to measure.
Place the tape measure half way between your hip bone and your lowest rib. This will be about 5 cm (2 in) above your belly button. Wrap the tape measure around you in a circle. Make sure the tape measure is level all the way around. The tape measure should not push in or indent the skin. Relax, exhale and measure.
It is ideal to measure your waist circumference on bare skin. If you are wearing clothes, be sure to measure the same way each time.
Record your waist circumference in centimeters or inches.
Record your waist circumference
a) Measure your waist circumference (cm or in).
My waist circumference is: __________
b) Determine if your waist circumference is healthy or too high.
Your waist circumference is healthy if:
Males: Less than 102 cm (40 in)
Females: Less than 88 cm (35 in)
Your waist circumference is high if:
Males: More than 102 cm (40 in)
Females: More than 88 cm (35 in)
What is your health risk?
By assessing both your waist circumference and body mass index together, you can get a good idea of your overall health risk. Use the chart below to figure out where your waist circumference and body mass index meet.
Step 1: Waist circumference
If it is healthy, follow Line 1: My waist circumference is healthy below.
If it is high, follow Line 2: My waist circumference is high below.
Step 2: Body mass index
Determine if BMI Box A, B, or C risk applies to you.
- If your weight is normal read below BMI Box A.
- If you are overweight read below BMI Box B.
- If you are obese read below BMI Box C.
Step 3: Find where your waist circumference and body mass index meet.
"This is your overall health risk."
My overall level of risk is: ___________
"If you are at increased, high or very high risk for developing health problems you need to schedule a complete health assessment with your doctor."
Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)
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