The March 22, 2006 JAMA has a super article on the adverse effects of BMI (page 1412-1419).

In a study of over 27,000 ”healthy” women and using one of the most critical factors in health for risk of serious cardiovascular disease and cancer, High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein:

Risk of CRP BEING > 3

 

Active normal-weight women		1.0
Inactive normal-weight women		1.26
Active, overweight (25-29 BMI)		2.68
Inactive overweight		3.11
Active, obese (BMI 30 and up)		8.25
Inactive, obese		9.86

The findings were similar for low HDL, apolipoprotein B100, fibrinogen and LDL. In other words, the only known reducer of serious risks, physical activity, helps a tiny bit – BUT, BMI is a most serious warning of potential serious heart disease and cancer.

Interestingly, smoking does not raise CRP nearly as much as BMI! (THORAX, 2006; 61: 23-28) and even patients with COPD had only a 5-fold increase in CRP.

Click on the image chart below to enlarge:

And if you prefer looking at waist size:

 

RISK OF ASSOCIATED DISEASE ACCORDING TO BMI & WAIST SIZE

BMI Waist less than or equal to 40 in. (men) or 35 in. (women) Waist greater than 40 in. (men) or 35 in. (women) 18.5 or less Underweight — N/A 18.5 – 24.9 Normal — N/A 25.0 – 29.9 Overweight Increased High 30.0 – 34.9 Obese High Very High 35.0 – 39.9 Obese Very High Very High 40 or greater Extremely Obese Extremely High Extremely High

Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D. is the father of holistic medicine. He recommends autogenic focus (the basis of the Biogenics System) as part of your overall commitment to self-health. Register to download your FREE autogenic focus MP3 now.