BMI and Obesity

NARRATOR:
Do you know your number? Your Body Mass Index number, or BMI, that is. BMI tells you whether you're overweight or obese. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 usually means you are overweight; 30 or higher means obese. Whatever your BMI, talk to your doctor to see if you are at greater risk for disease and should lose weight. Dr. Janet Allan, of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force...

Dr. Allan:
Obesity is associated with many health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. If you know that your Body Mass Index is high, you can work with your health care provider to reduce your weight, which also will reduce your risk of these health problems. If you're not sure, talk with your health care provider soon.

NARRATOR:
Any weight loss program should include changes in diet and physical activity and getting help to keep weight off. Learn to calculate your BMI by calling for the free "What's New" fact sheet on obesity from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Call 1-800-3-5-8-9-2-9-5. That's 1-800-3-5-8-9-2-9-5.