Obesity: why BMI matters

Obesity is a growing epidemic; at least 30% of most age groups are obese. It is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. The USPSTF determined that body mass index (BMI) is a reliable, valid identifier of adults at increased risk for morbidity/mortality from overweight and obesity.

BMI = weight(lb)/height(in^2) x 703, OR weight(kg)/height(m^2). It is the standard screening number for weight-related risk.

📖 “Obesity epidemic; risk for CVD, stroke, type 2 diabetes, arthritis. BMI is the reliable identifier of risk (USPSTF).”