Body Mass Index (BMI) is the measurement used to evaluate if a person is overweight. BMI is calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI is a reliable indicator even though it does not directly measure body fat.

• An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
• An adult who has a BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese.

Individuals who are overweight and obese have a higher incidence of developing certain diseases and/or conditions that affect our health:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
• Dyslipidemia (high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Coronary heart disease
• Stroke
• Gallbladder disease
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems