BMI stands for "body mass index," a numerical value of your weight in relation to your height. BMIs are good indicators of healthy weights for adult men and women. BMIs 30 and higher are associated with significantly increased health risks in some people.

Note: The BMI tends to underestimate body fat in people who have lost muscle mass, such as the elderly and may overestimate body fat in very muscular individuals. It is possible for a healthy, muscular individual with very low body fat to be classified obese using the BMI formula. If you are a trained athlete, your weight based on your measured percent body fat would be a better indicator of what you should weigh.

Below 18.5 means you have a low amount of body fat. Many athletes find low BMIs desirable. However, if you are not an athlete, a lean BMI can indicate that your weight may be too low, causing weaker immunity. Consult your physician about consideration to gain weight through good diet and exercise habits, to increase muscle mass.

Between 20 and 22 means you have a healthy amount of body fat, which is associated with living longest, and the lowest incidence of serious illness.

Between 22 and 25 is an acceptable range associated with good health.

Between 25 and 30 is considered overweight and should finds ways to lose weight, through diet and exercise. You are at increased risk for a variety of illnesses at your present weight. You can improve your BMI by changing your diet and exercising more.

Over 30 is an unhealthy condition, you are at risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease and some cancers. You can improve your BMI by changing your diet and exercising more.