KGA - Self Assessment - Are you Overweight?

Part 1: Assessing Your Risk

The current National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines determine overweight status using three key measures:

body mass index (BMI)
waist circumference, and
risk factors for diseases and conditions associated with obesity.

The BMI is a measure of your weight relative to your height, and waist circumference measures abdominal fat. Combining these with information about your additional risk factors yields your risk for developing obesity-associated diseases.

What is Your Risk?

1. Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI is a reliable indicator of total body fat, which can relate to certain diseases and even death. The score is valid for both men and women but it does have some limits. The limits are:

It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.
It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass.

To estimate your BMI using pounds (lbs) and inches (in), divide your weight in pounds by the square of your height in inches. Then multiply the resulting number by 704.5. BMI = [weight (lbs)/height (in²)] x 704.5

Use the BMI calculator to estimate your total body fat. The BMI score means the following:

Weight (lbs):

Height (inches):

BMI
Underweight BMI is below 18.5
Normal BMI is 18.5 - 24.9
Overweight BMI is 25.0 - 29.9
Obesity BMI is 30.0 and Above

2. Waist Circumference

Determine your waist circumference by placing a measuring tape snugly around your waist. It is a good indicator of your abdominal fat which is another predictor for heart disease and other diseases. This risk increases with a waist measurement of over 40 inches in men and over 35 inches in women.

3. Other Risk Factors

Besides being overweight or obese, there are additional risk factors to consider.

RISK FACTORS

Once you've completed the tests to determine your numbers for the first five entries in the list below, check all that apply:

high blood pressure (hypertension)
high LDL-cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol)
low HDL-cholesterol ("good" cholesterol)
high triglycerides
high blood glucose (sugar)
family history of premature heart disease
physical inactivity
cigarette smoking

4. Assessment

For people who are considered obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30), and for those who are overweight (BMI of 25 to 29.9) and have two or more risk factors, the guidelines recommend weight loss. People who are overweight, do not have a high waist measurement, and have less than two risk factors may need to prevent further weight gain rather than lose weight.

Talk to your doctor to see if you are at an increased risk and if you should lose weight. Your doctor will evaluate your BMI, waist measurement, and others risk factors for heart disease. People who are overweight or obese have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or other lipid disorders, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. Even a small weight loss (just 10 percent of your current weight) may help to lower your risk of developing diseases associated with obesity.

Call the EAP at 508-879-2093 at any time to discuss your results. You can also access consultations with a nutritionist or a fitness specialist, and receive a health data recording form by contacting the EAP.