World Health Organisation (WHO) classifications for BMI
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It can be applied to men, women and children. However, the BMI cannot give you additional information about your body composition that may be relevant. For example, how much of your weight comes from lean body tissue and how much comes from stored body fat. Consequently, your BMI could classify you within the satisfactory range when you're carrying too much fat. Or you could be heavily muscled with little body fat, but your BMI could be above the satisfactory range. Whatever your individual circumstances, the BMI will give you a basis to begin thinking generally about your weight-to-height ratio.
- Underweight less than 18.5
- Normal weight 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight 25 to 29.9
- Obesity 30 or greater
What shape are you in?
How do you really know if you are a healthy weight? Take a look in the mirror, or try measuring your waist; it should be less than half your height. You can also track your weight by how tight your belt feels. Your waist measurement is a good indication of how your body fat is distributed. In addition to the athletic triangular shape with wide shoulders and a narrow waist, people can also be androids or gynoids; commonly known as apple and pear shapes. Apples carry much of their body fat around their middle and health experts believe they are more at risk of developing the obesity-related diseases of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
