Weight and the Real Dangers of Death

We have all heard that obesity in the United States is growing from children to adults. The studies are based on body mass index (BMI) which is calculated based on height and weight for adults.

A BMI of 18.5 – 24.9% has a normal risk for death. That risk goes up by 11% if your BMI is at 25.0 – 29.9%. When your BMI is at 30.0 – 34.9%, your risk for death is increased by 44%. Taking that one step further to a BMI of 35 – 39.9% and your risk for premature death is increased to 92%.

As you can see, the risk doesn’t just go up a little bit. If your BMI is greater than 40%, your risk is now 171% greater than those in the normal BMI range. Here is a link to see where your BMI falls: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm. Children and teens have a more specific calculation with more specific height measurement, your child’s birth date, date of measurement, sex and weight to fraction of a pound. Here is the calculator to use: https://nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/Calculator.aspx. Knowing this number and making changes in your lifestyle, specifically diet and exercise will help prevent serious risks later in life. Another category that is critical to know is when a person has a BMI of 15-18.4%. They have a 47% higher risk than those in the normal range. Why? Many times this is due to malnutrition or an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Teenage girls are more likely to fall into this category than any other group.

Do you know what your BMI is? Do you need help lowering or raising your BMI or that of one of your children? I would love to assist you in reducing your risk of death due to your weight.