Plug your height and weight into this scale:
nhlbisupport.com
Any number of 25 or higher and you are medically classified as "overweight" (this essentially means that your chance of dying of various things starts to get significantly higher above a BMI of 25). A BMI above 22 (yes, 22) raises your risk of developing Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes, which is a nasty thing to have. For an adult male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, a BMI of 22 means a weight of 149.
Some statistics to read with your morning Krispy Kremes:
Prevalence*
97.1 million adults are overweight (BMI > 25)
Of those, 50.2 million are men, and 46.9 million are women
Overweight adults account for 54.9% of the adult U.S. population
39.8 million adults are obese (BMI > 30)
Of those, 16.8 million are men, and 23 million are women
Obese adults account for 22.3% of the U.S. population
The prevalence of obesity increased 61 percent between 1991-2000
The prevalence of obesity has increased in every state in the U.S. since 1991
In the African-American community:
65.8% of women and 56.5% of men are overweight
In the Mexican-American community:
65.9% of women and 63.9% of men are overweight
Mortality and Morbidity*
Approximately 280,000 deaths are attributable to obesity each year (note: this number is probably an underestimate, because it relates to deaths primarily attributable to obesity, not deaths from diseases that obesity contributes to)
46% of those with diabetes are obese
The relative risk of diabetes increases by approximately 25% for each unit of BMI over 22
62.7 million physician office visits are related to obesity each year
39.3 million missed workdays are related to obesity each year
Exercise and Dieting*
Only 22% of American adults meet recommended physical activity guidelines
4 out of 10 American adults say they NEVER engage in physical activity during their leisure time2
At any given time 33-40% of women and 20-24% of men are trying to lose weight3
Americans spend $33 billion annually on weight-loss products and services
spotlighthealth.com
See also
health.yahoo.com
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