Geaux Health & Fitness Magazine Spring 2014 2 | Page 5

geaux fit

B M I
what does it mean to you?
There is no argument that here in Louisiana,
we love our food. What most of us don’t
realize is that we are also among the “fattest
cats in the good old USA.” How do I know?
The BMI tells me so!
BMI stands for body mass index and it is
a measure of an individual’s body fat based
on height and weight. Physicians and others
in the medical profession use BMI as an
indication of which patients are at risk of
developing certain diseases. A BMI of 25-29.9
is considered overweight. A BMI of 30-34.9
is considered obese. A BMI of 40 or higher
is considered morbidly obese. To calculate
your BMI, go to www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/
assessing/bmi.

By Bill Gvoich
Medical Wellness Program Director
Spectrum Fitness & Medical Wellness

It’s no secret that we are in the midst of a
health crisis caused by the “perfect storm” of
three factors: too many calories from junk
food and drinks; an almost total absence of
meaningful physical activity; and living in an
environment marked by rapidly advancing
technology. This perfect storm has created
a population in which two-thirds of us are
overweight or obese.
Deep abdominal fat is highly toxic. That’s why
it’s important to know your BMI and talk to
your physician about a fitness plan and weight
loss options. GH&F

Spring 2014

geauxhealthandfitness.com

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