If your BMI is between 20 and 22: This indicates the ideal, healthy amount of body fat, which is associated with living longest, and the lowest incidence of serious illness.

Coincidentally, it seems this ratio is what many individuals perceive to be the most aesthetically attractive.

If your BMI is between 22 and 25: This is still considered an acceptable range, and is associated with good health.

If your BMI is between 25 and 30: You are considered “Hefty” and should finds ways to lower your weight, through diet and exercise. You are at increased risk for a variety of illnesses at your present weight. You should lose weight by changing your diet and exercising more.

If your BMI is over 30: This indicates an unhealthy condition, your excess Fat is putting you at risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease and some cancers. You should lose weight by changing your diet and exercising more.

One variable body mass index chart fails to consider is lean body mass. It is possible for a healthy, muscular individual with very low body fat to be classified obese using the body mass index chart 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.

In 1995, the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the American Health Foundation issued new guidelines that defines healthy weight as a body mass index chart,(BMI) below 25. In a recent study, 59% of Americans exceeded this weight.