BMI (Body Mass Index) uses height and weight to determine whether you are at risk for weight-related health problems. The lower your BMI, the lower your risk for health problems.* The following table will help you to determine your BMI and, based on this, determine which program is best for you.

 

A body mass calculation index. With height on one axis and weight on the other.

Key: Green-Normal, Yellow-Obese, Red-Obese, Purple-Morbidly Obese

*Your health history, as well as your BMI, establishes your true risk.  Certain health factors may increase the positive impact losing weight can have.  You should discuss additional health factors with your provider.  Health factors, as outlined by the American Dietetic Association, include but may not be limited to: 

  • Heart disease
  • A history of heart attacks
  • History of angina pectoris (chest pain)
  • A history of heart surgery
  • Blood clots
  • History of angioplasties
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Symptomatic carotid artery disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Cancer
  • Gynecological disorders
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Gallstones
  • Stress incontinence
  • Smoking
  • Hypertension
  • High or low cholesterol
  • Impaired fasting glucose
  • Family history of premature CHD
  • Age
  • Physical inactivity
  • High triglycerides
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome