Data Set 3

The following table shows the relationship between BMI and various risk factors

Relationship between BMI and slected risk factors
Data Source: JAMA, 2003;289:76-79

Risk Factor	% Normal weight	% Overweight	% Obese, class 2	% Obese, class 3
High Blood Pressure	15.9	27.8	40.9	50.9
High Cholesterol	23.5	34.1	39.4	36.2
Asthma	9.9	10	13.9	22.6
Arthritis	17.7	23.7	32.1	44.2
Fair or Poor General Health	11.8	14.1	22.5	37.6

The graph below shows the correlation that BMI has with the risk factors noted in the table above. In general, as the BMI of a person increases, so does his or her risk of other major health complications. Though there is a relationship, it does not mean that a higher BMI causes these conditions.

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