Q:
What does BMI mean and why is it important to know?

A:
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the ratio of your weight to the square of your height and is used as a general measure of overall fitness. The number is proportional to your body shape. Generally, the number is small for thin people and large for fat people. People with a BMI 25 or greater are considered overweight, unless they have a very muscular body.

 

Underweight     - BMI less than 18.5

Normal weight  - BMI 18.5 to 24.9

Overweight        - BMI 25 to 29.9

Obese                - BMI 30 or greater