Interactive Tool: Do Your BMI and Waist Size Increase Your Health Risks?

What does this tool help you learn?

This tool estimates your risk for getting weight-related diseases. It uses your body mass index (BMI) along with your waist measurement and other factors. The higher the BMI, the greater the risk of some diseases, such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, some cancers, and type 2 diabetes.

Being aware of your risk can help you think about whether you might want to make some changes to help lower that risk.

U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health (2000). "The Practical Guide: Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults." (NIH Publication No. 00-4084). Available online: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/prctgd_c.pdf.

What does your score mean?

Your score can help you see if your weight and waist size are putting you at risk for serious health problems.

What's next?

If you are concerned about your score, talk with your doctor. Together you can explore how to start taking steps toward lowering your risk.

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