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Figuring out your body mass index (BMI) is an easy health check-up that only takes a couple of minutes. Your BMI score can be calculated using your height and weight, and it can be an early warning for health problems. Use the table at right to find your BMI score. For example, if your height is 66 inches and your weight is 142 pounds, your BMI score is 23.
To use a BMI calculator online, visit the Department of Health and Human Services at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi.
Your BMI score will fall into one of the following categories:
Under 18.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Underweight
18.5 – 24.9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Healthy
25 – 29.9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Overweight
30+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Obese
If you have a BMI of 30 or more, you could develop health problems related to your weight.
The good news is that by lower ing your BMI you may help reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes and other serious conditions. If your BMI is too high, you can work on losing weight by eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Inter Valley Health Plan’s health education classes, “The Vitality Series,” are designed for Medicare beneficiaries and older adults. The classes cover a variety of topics that can help you to manage your weight and get on a regular exercise program. Visit our website at www.ivhp.com and click on “Vitality Series” in the upper right corner of our home page. You can also discuss your BMI with your doctor during your next visit.
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