Body mass index (BMI) is a mathematical ratio of height to weight that can be linked with body composition (or body fat percentage) and with indices of health risk. People with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight, and people with a BMI of 30 or above are considered obese. A high BMI assumes a higher percentage of body fat, which places a person at greater risk for developing chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease, and even cancer.
However, for some people the BMI is not a reliable indication of health. A highly muscled individual who is very fit and healthy may have a somewhat heavy body weight because muscles pack on a lot of pounds. This person may have a high BMI that improperly puts him or her in the overweight or obese categories. Likewise, thin individuals who have a low body weight with very little muscle and a higher percentage of fat may have a normal BMI, which would be an incorrect indication of healthiness.
However, for some people the BMI is not a reliable indication of health. A highly muscled individual who is very fit and healthy may have a somewhat heavy body weight because muscles pack on a lot of pounds. This person may have a high BMI that improperly puts him or her in the overweight or obese categories. Likewise, thin individuals who have a low body weight with very little muscle and a higher percentage of fat may have a normal BMI, which would be an incorrect indication of healthiness.
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