Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI is a fairly reliable indicator of body fatness for most people. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat. Calculating BMI is one of the best methods for population assessment of the overweight and obese. Because calculation requires only height and weight, it is inexpensive and easy to use for clinicians and the general public. The use of BMI allows people to compare their own weight status to that of the general population.
It is important to remember that weight is only one factor related to risk for disease. If you have questions or concerns about the appropriateness of your weight, you should discuss them with your healthcare provider.
The BMI ranges are based on the relationship between body weight and disease and death. Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases and health conditions, including the following:
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whether you are consuming carbohydrates, fats, or proteins, all of them contain calories. If your diet focus is on any one of these alone, you are missing the bigger picture. When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight for a lifetime, the bottom line is calories count! Weight management is all about balance...balancing the number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body uses or "burns off."
- A calorie is defined as a unit of energy supplied by food. A calorie is a calorie regardless of its source. Whether you are eating carbohydrates, fats, sugars, or proteins, all of them contain calories.
- Calorie balance is like a scale. To remain in balance and maintain your body weight, the calories consumed (from food) must be balanced by the calories used (in normal body functions, daily activities and exercise).
If you need to tip the balance scale in the direction of losing weight, keep in mind that it takes approximately 3,500 calories below your calorie needs to lose a pound of body fat. To lose about 1 to 2 pounds per week, you will need to reduce your caloric intake by 500-1,000 calories per day.
An interactive version is found at mypyramidtracker.gov where you can enter the foods you have eaten and physical activity you have done to see how your calorie intake compares to your calorie expenditure.
Calories In = Food and beverages
Calories Out = Body functions and physical activity
If you are maintaining your weight your caloric balance status is "in balance." You are eating roughly the same number of calories that your body is using. Your weight will remain the stable.
If you are gaining weight your caloric balance status is "in caloric excess." You are eating more calories than your body is using. You will store these extra calories as fat and you'll gain weight.
If you are losing weight your caloric balance status is "in caloric deficit." You are eating fewer calories than you are using. Your body is pulling from its fat storage cells for energy, so your weight is decreasing.
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