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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation that uses your height and weight to determine a number that represents your risk for obesity-related health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. The higher your BMI is over 25, the greater the risk of developing these conditions.**

**There are some limitations to the Body Mass Index calculation, because it does not measure body composition. BMI overestimates body fat in persons who are very muscular and it can underestimate body fat in persons who have lost muscle mass (e.g., many elderly). People with more muscular builds may be classified as overweight according to BMI numbers even if they have a very healthy body fat percentage. A high BMI from increased muscle alone is not associated with health risks. These are the recommended classifications for BMI, adopted by the Expert Panel on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight & Obesity in Adults, and endorsed by leading organizations of health professionals.