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Body Mass Index

How to Interpret Your BMI

  • The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a chart that helps determine a person’s ideal weight for his or her height.
  • It does not take into account factors like age, gender, race, percent body fat or muscle mass, which means it is an indicator of body fat, not a direct measurement.
  • The BMI chart should be used as a guide with the advice of a health care professional.

Waist Size

Knowing your BMI is important, but waist size is another significant factor to consider when determining your health. Your body shape and where you carry your weight is an important indicator of health.

Recent studies have found that people with larger waists, or an "apple shape," are at greater risk for many health problems than people with a "pear shape" who tend to carry extra weight at their hips and thighs. A healthy woman’s waist measures 35 in. or less.

Instructor Tips:
Share the BMI chart/wheel and help her to identify her own personal BMI.