A study just published in the New England Journal of Medicine, and posted on the Life-Cise News page, has found that a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 20 - 24.9 is associated with the lowest risk of death from all causes. The large study analyzed data from 19 long-term studies. Researchers found that, after accounting for other health risks, a 31% increase in risk of death was associated with each 5 unit increase in BMI. So, for instance, an obese person with a BMI of 30-34.9 had a 44% higher risk of death. Shockingly, severely obese with a BMI over 40, had a 250% increase! But even modest excess weight made a difference. A BMI of 25-29.9 showed an increased risk of 13%.

A couple days ago I wrote another post about BMI and our perceptions of weight. In it I give the formula for figuring out your BMI (also a link to the National Institutes of Health website for their handy BMI calculator).

What's your BMI? Only by knowing can we make an appropriate plan. This isn't just a number - this matters. It's not about fitting into a dress or looking good for your high school reunion - it's about staying alive.

Julie

- BY Julie | 12.02.2010

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