BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a number that uses an individual's height and weight to analyse whether they fall into a healthy range, a number is generated which tells you where you are on the scale. For adults aged over 20 BMI falls into the following categories:

 * Underweight: less than 18.5
 * Ideal: 18.5 to 24.9
 * Overweight: 25.0 - 29.9
 * Obese: above 30

Note: BMI for Children and Teens is based on gender and age specific charts.

How does BMI relate to health?
The BMI ranges are based on how body weight affects disease and ultimately death. As BMI increases, the risk for some disease increases. Some common conditions related to overweight and obesity include:

 * Premature death
 * Cardiovascular disease
 * High blood pressure
 * Osteoarthritis
 * Diabetes

BMI is only one of many factors used to predict risk for disease. BMI cannot be used to tell a person if he/she has a disease such as diabetes or cancer. It is important to remember that weight is only one factor that is related to disease.
