"Weight that is higher than what is considered as a healthy weight for a given height is described as overweight or obese. Body Mass Index, or BMI, is used as a screening tool for overweight or obesity. BMI is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness. To calculate BMI, see the Adult BMI Calculator or determine BMI by finding your height and weight in this BMI Index Chart:

• If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the underweight range.

• If your BMI is 18.5 to <25, it falls within the normal.

• If your BMI is 25.0 to <30, it falls within the overweight range.

• If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the obese range.

Obesity is frequently subdivided into categories:

• Class 1: BMI of 30 to < 35

• Class 2: BMI of 35 to < 40

• Class 3: BMI of 40 or higher. Class 3 obesity is sometimes categorized as “extreme” or “severe” obesity."

~from the CDC

Critiques of Body Mass Index

 

"Top 10 Reasons Why The BMI Is Bogus"

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106268439 

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"Why Body Mass Index Is Wrong for So Many People"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-belk/body-mass-index_b_7693450.html

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"Why BMI Is Inaccurate and Misleading"

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265215.php