Overweight Calculator
Measure at navel level
Weight Categories
Waist Risk Thresholds
Men
Increased risk: > 37" (94 cm)
High risk: > 40" (102 cm)
Women
Increased risk: > 31.5" (80 cm)
High risk: > 35" (88 cm)
Related Calculators
Understanding Overweight and Obesity
Being overweight or obese means having more body fat than is considered healthy. This calculator uses BMI and waist circumference - two evidence-based measurements - to assess weight status and associated health risks.
Global Statistics
- Over 1.9 billion adults worldwide are overweight
- 650 million adults are obese
- 39% of adults aged 18+ were overweight in 2016
- Obesity has nearly tripled since 1975
Health Consequences
Increased Risk Of:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Certain cancers
- Sleep apnea
- Osteoarthritis
- Fatty liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Depression and anxiety
Benefits of Losing 5-10%:
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved cholesterol
- Better blood sugar control
- Reduced joint pain
- Better sleep quality
- More energy
- Improved mood
- Lower cancer risk
Why Waist Circumference Matters
Where you carry weight matters. Visceral fat (abdominal fat around organs) is more metabolically active and dangerous than subcutaneous fat (under the skin). Even with a normal BMI, a large waist circumference indicates increased health risk.
Approaches to Weight Management
- Dietary changes: Focus on whole foods, vegetables, lean proteins, portion control
- Physical activity: Aim for 150+ minutes of moderate activity weekly
- Behavioral changes: Address emotional eating, sleep habits, stress
- Medical support: For BMI 30+, consult healthcare providers about options
- Sustainable approach: Aim for 1-2 lbs per week maximum weight loss
Important Note
BMI is a screening tool and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution. Athletes may have high BMI with low body fat. For a complete health assessment, consult a healthcare provider who can evaluate additional factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and family history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What BMI is considered overweight or obese?
A BMI of 25-29.9 is classified as overweight, while a BMI of 30 or above is considered obese. Obesity is further divided into Class I (BMI 30-34.9), Class II (BMI 35-39.9), and Class III or severe obesity (BMI 40+). However, BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, so athletes may have high BMI while being healthy.
Why is waist circumference important beyond BMI?
Waist circumference measures abdominal (visceral) fat, which is more metabolically dangerous than fat in other areas. Even with a normal BMI, a large waist (over 40 inches for men, 35 inches for women) indicates increased risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. It's a better predictor of health risks than BMI alone.
Can I be overweight but still healthy?
Research on 'metabolically healthy obesity' is mixed. Some overweight individuals have normal blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. However, long-term studies suggest these individuals still face higher health risks than normal-weight people. Focus on health behaviors (diet, exercise, sleep) rather than just the number on the scale.
How much weight do I need to lose to improve my health?
Even modest weight loss of 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve health markers - lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol, and reducing diabetes risk. For a 200-pound person, that's just 10-20 pounds. You don't need to reach 'ideal' weight to benefit. Focus on sustainable changes rather than dramatic weight loss.