BODY MASS INDEX

The Body Mass Index (or BMI) is a tool used to measure weight relative to height. The weight and height of a person is calculated to produce a score that can then be categorised as one of four types; underweight, normal, overweight or obese.

Obesity increases the risk of developing a range of health problems including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and certain cancers.

Among the 15 to 24 year age group, more than half (53%) of Indigenous females were in the normal body range, and 19% were overweight. Almost one in eight (13%) of females in this age group were underweight. Nearly one quarter (24%) of Indigenous females aged 55 years and over had a normal body size, two in five (43%) were obese. This age group contained the greatest portion of obese Indigenous females compared to other ages.

Indigenous females living in major cities and regional areas (non-remote) were more likely to have a healthy BMI (normal) than females living in more remote areas (40% compared to 34%).

After adjusting for age differences between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous population, Indigenous females were twice as likely to be classified as obese.