Weight Management: Report Card

Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI is a fairly reliable indicator of body fatness for most people. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but it is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

The standard weight status categories associated with BMI ranges for adults are shown in the following table.

How do King County employees and their spouses/domestic partners stack up?

Improving but does not the national goal.

In 2009 more than one-third (35%) of Wellness Assessment respondents reported a BMI in the normal range. This represents an increase of almost 2% since 2006.

Healthy People 2010 specifies health objectives for the nation. The Healthy People 2010 goal for healthy weight is to:

• Increase the proportion of adults who are at a healthy weight (defined as a body mass index equal to or greater than 18.5 and less than 25) to 60% or more.

King County currently does not meet the Healthy People 2010 goal for healthy weight.