BMI and Aim for a Healthy Weight Range

Generally, a combination of body mass indes (BMI) and waist measurement is the easiest way to rate your weight and risk of lifestyle-related disease.

To calculate your Body Mass Index - divide your weight in kilograms by your height squared (ie. Height in metres multiplied by height in metres)

1. Weight = 73kg
2. Height = 1.64m
3. 73
4. divided by
5. (1.64 x 1.64) = BMI 27

Waist Measurement, (regardless of height) is a good indicator of tummy fat and increased risk of the lifestyle disease mentioned above.

The National Healht and Medical Research Council, Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra 2003 p 43-52, tells us that the following waist measurements increase health risks:

• Waist circumference of more than 94cm (men) and more than 80cm (women) = increased risk of metabolic complication.
• Waist circumference move than 102cm (men) and more than 88cm (women) = substantially increased risk.