Answer

There are limitations to the body mass index.

When the BMI tables were originally created by life insurance companies, there were charts for small, medium and large body frames. This meant someone who had a large frame could be heavier and still be rated as healthy because of their frame.

The current BMI scale does not take body frame into account. It also does not account for gender, race, ethnicity or age differences, which also could influence your BMI.

If your BMI is high, it can be a sign that something is wrong. Whatever your race, ethnicity or gender, talk to your doctor. He or she can combine your BMI with other health measures and let you know what action to take.

Remember, BMI can signal that you are overweight or obese, but it's just a starting point.