BMI Assessment: 5'1" and 52 kg
Your BMI of 21.8 kg/m² falls within the normal/healthy weight range (18.5-24.9 kg/m²), which is associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and premature mortality. 1
Your Current Weight Status
- BMI Calculation: At 155 cm (5'1") and 52 kg, your BMI is 21.8 kg/m², placing you solidly in the healthy weight category 1
- Optimal Range: The American Heart Association defines normal/healthy weight as BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m², and you are well within this range 1
- Weight Range: For your height, the healthy weight range is approximately 44-58 kg (97-128 pounds) 2
Health Implications at Your Current BMI
Cardiovascular Risk: Your BMI is below the threshold (BMI ≥25.0 kg/m²) associated with elevated risk of fatal coronary heart disease, stroke, and overall cardiovascular disease 3
Metabolic Health: You are at lower risk for type 2 diabetes, as risk increases continuously with BMI above the normal range 3
Mortality Risk: The current BMI cutpoint for overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m²) is not associated with elevated all-cause mortality risk, and your BMI of 21.8 is well below this threshold 3
Cancer Risk: Maintaining your BMI between 18.5-25.0 kg/m² reduces risk of multiple cancers including postmenopausal breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal adenocarcinoma, kidney, and pancreatic cancers 1
Additional Assessment Beyond BMI
Waist Circumference: You should measure your waist circumference (halfway between last rib and iliac crest) to complete your risk assessment 3
- High-risk threshold for women is >88 cm (>35 inches) 1
- This provides information about abdominal fat distribution that BMI cannot capture 3
Important Caveat: BMI does not distinguish between lean mass and fat mass, so individuals with high muscle mass may be misclassified 1, 4
Recommendations for Weight Maintenance
Energy Balance: Match your total caloric intake to your energy expenditure to maintain your current healthy weight 3
Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity that matches your energy intake for weight maintenance 3
Dietary Pattern: Continue consuming a diet that includes vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole-grain products while limiting saturated fat and cholesterol 3
Prevention Focus: Since weight gain commonly occurs between ages 25-44 years, preventing weight gain of more than 2-5 kg is a high priority even at your healthy current weight 3
Long-term Strategy: Maintain appropriate patterns of food intake and physical activity to prevent future weight gain, as this is more effective than attempting weight loss later 3