A BMI of 23.6 falls within the normal range, which is good news for you! It means that your attention to your weight and physical fitness has helped to minimize your risk for diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, and certain types of cancer (endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon).

Taking your weight alone into consideration, and not considering other risk factors, your BMI suggests that you are at low risk for the above disorders or others related to obesity. Or, if you already have high blood pressure or other disorders, you are certainly helping to make sure your condition is as manageable as possible, and is not worsened by excess weight.

Even if you have a normal BMI, it is still possible for you to be at a slightly higher health risk - moderate rather than low - if you have excess abdominal fat.

Remember, having a normal BMI doesn't let you off the hook as far as eating a healthy diet, avoiding excess dietary fat, and taking part in physical exercise (as appropriate) is concerned. These are important healthy lifestyle habits for everyone to take seriously. If you'd like help in improving your diet or exercise regimen, or you have any other questions or concerns, be sure to see your doctor or other qualified health care provider, as your doctor recommends.

Reference:
Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/ob_home.htm).
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), in cooperation with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

For more information, see:
Nutrition and Obesity (http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/nutrit.htm)
Publications for consumers with useful advice on successful weight loss, from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Shape Up America (http://www.shapeup.org)
National initiative to promote healthy weight, founded by Dr. Koop. Fitness center, support center, cyberkitchen and more.

Note: This BMI calculation is intended for adults, not children. In particular, for individuals less than 5 feet tall, the calculation is likely to overestimate body fat. Please see the disclaimer below.

Back to "Calculate your BMI" page