Healthy Measures for Adults: Body
Mass Index and Waist Circumference
Body Mass Index (BMI) measures the ratio of your
weight to your height. Waist circumference is the
measurement around your waist in inches or
centimeters.
BMI and waist circumference are used to find out if
you are at increased risk of developing health
problems because of your body weight or shape.
Your level of health risk is not based on your BMI and
waist circumference alone. Other lifestyle habits such
as eating, smoking, physical activity levels and
certain medical conditions can also affect health risk.
To determine your health risk level you need to have
a complete health check with your doctor.
These measurements are not for everyone.
Adult BMI and waist circumference should not be
used for those under 18 years of age or for pregnant
and lactating women.
BMI may not be able to predict health risk for the
following groups of people:
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Adults who are not finished growing
Adults who are very lean
Adults who are very muscular
Certain racial and ethnic groups
Adults over the age of 65
If you are in one of these groups, talk to your health
care provider about your level of health risk.
Using BMI to assess health risk
If your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9 you are at a normal weight
and you have the lowest risk of developing health
problems.
Note: For adults 65 years and older, the normal BMI
range may be higher than for those under 65 years of
age. A normal BMI range of 22 to 26.9 can be used
for adults 65 years and older.
If your BMI is less than 18.5 you are classified as
underweight and may be at increased risk of
developing health problems such as:
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If your BMI is 25 to 29.9 you are classified as
overweight. If your BMI is 30 or above you are
classified as obese. Both may be at increased risk of
developing health problems such as:
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Developed by Registered Dietitians
Osteoporosis and osteopenia (brittle bones)
Infertility, irregular or no menstrual periods
Decreased ability to fight illness and infection
Hair loss or growth of hair on face and neck
Feeling cold all the time
Eating disorders or other illnesses
Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes
High cholesterol, high blood pressure or heart
disease
Certain cancers
Difficulty breathing during sleep (sleep apnea)
Liver abnormalities and gallbladder disease
Painful joints and back
Impaired fertility
Depression and low self-esteem
Nutrition Services
Community Health Services
What is your BMI?
Record your BMI
Use the chart below to determine your BMI. This
chart is the same for males and females.
a) Determine your BMI. My BMI is: __________
b) Use the classification table below to determine if you
are underweight, normal weight, overweight or
obese.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Find your height on the chart.
Find your weight on the chart.
Circle the number where they cross.
This number is your BMI.
Chart reproduced with permission from Health Canada, 2004.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
less than 18.5
18.5 – 24.9
25 – 29.9
30 and up
Classification
Underweight
Normal weight
Overweight
Obese
Using waist circumference to
assess health risk
Waist circumference is a measure of the health risk
associated with too much stomach fat.
You are at increased risk of developing health
problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and
high blood pressure if your waist circumference is:
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Men: 102 cm (40 inches) or more
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Women: 88 cm (35 inches) or more
Measure your waist circumference
You may want someone to help you measure the
distance around your waist. The picture shows you the
correct area on your body to measure.
Use a tape measure. Place the tape measure half way
between the top of your hip bone and your lowest rib.
For many people this will be about 5 cm (2 inches)
above the belly button. Wrap the tape measure around
you in a circle. Make sure the tape measure is level all
the way around. The tape measure should not push in
or indent the skin. Relax, exhale and measure.
It is ideal to measure your waist circumference on bare
skin. If you are wearing clothes, be sure to measure the
same way each time.
Record your waist circumference in centimeters
or inches in the next column.
Record your waist circumference
a) Measure your waist circumference (cm or inches).
My waist circumference is: __________
b) Determine if your waist circumference is healthy or
too high.
Your waist circumference is healthy if it is:
Men:
Women:
Less than 102 cm (40 inches)
Less than 88 cm (35 inches)
Your waist circumference is high if it is:
Men:
Women:
102 cm (40 inches) or more
88 cm (35 inches) or more
Step 2: BMI
What is your health risk?
Determine if BMI Box A, B or C applies to you.
By looking at both your BMI and waist circumference
together, you can get a good idea of your overall health
risk. Use the chart below to figure out where your waist
circumference and BMI meet.
Step 1: Waist circumference
If it is healthy, follow Line 1: My waist circumference
is healthy below.
If it is high, follow Line 2: My waist circumference is
high below.
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If your weight is normal read below BMI Box A.
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If you are overweight read below BMI Box B.
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If you are obese read below BMI Box C.
Step 3: Find where your waist circumference
and BMI meet.
This is your overall health risk.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Box A
Box B
Normal: 18.5 – 24.9 Overweight: 25 – 29.9
Line 1
My waist circumference is
healthy
Low risk
Line 2
My waist circumference is
high
Increased risk
Increased risk
High risk
Box C
Obese: 30 and up
High risk
Very high risk
My overall level of risk is:
If you are at increased, high or very high risk for developing health problems you need to talk to your health care
provider about how to lower your health risk.
Any decrease in weight will lower your health risk. Achieving a BMI in the normal range may not be the best goal for
you. Talk to your health care provider about your best weight loss goal.
© 2004 Alberta Health Services, Edmonton Area
Revised June 2009
RNFS–041128
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Alberta Health Services. Direct correspondence to Nutrition Services. This information is intended as
a general resource only and is not meant to replace the medical counsel of your doctor or individual consultation with a Registered Dietitian.