BMI

Your body mass index (BMI) is very important for your health. So what exactly is a BMI? It basically bases the percentage of your body fat by comparing your weight and height. There are other sources that will also give you your BMI based on your height, weight and measurements around your body.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services I am overweight. I need to get to a weight of 145 in order to be within the healthy range. Here are the ranges according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute:

Underweight = <18.5

Normal Weight = 18.5-24.9

Overweight = 25.29.9

Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

Currently I am in the overweight category. I need to lose nearly twenty pounds, which is going to be probably harder then I thought, but I'm already beginning to make the correct changes in my life, starting with my diet.

Now my husband needs to lose some weight, but he does go to the gym constantly. His BMI did show that he was obese, but he clearly is not. So take that into consideration too. If you have more muscle then fat, muscle weighs more.

I recommend checking out the following websites: Center for Disease Control and Prevention and The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Both will give you a BMI Calculator. I found the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Website gave more insight as to what you may or may not be at risk for. Regardless both are great websites to take a look at. Check your BMI out. You may either be surprised or have an eye opener. Good luck.