Calculate your BMI here!

About BMI: Body Mass Index (BMI)* gives an indication of body weight based on the height and weight of adults. A BMI chart normally consists of four ranges: healthy, underweight, overweight and very overweight or obese.

For cancer prevention, we should aim to be as lean as possible without becoming underweight. Scientists believe there are several reasons for the link between overweight, obesity and cancer.

One example is the relationship between excess fat and the hormonal balance in the body. Research has shown that fat cells release hormones such as oestrogen, which increases the risk of cancers such as breast cancer.

Studies have also shown that fat, particularly if it is stored around the waist, encourages the body to produce substances known as 'growth hormones'. Having high levels of these hormones is linked to a greater risk of cancer.

What does it mean?

• Less than 18.5 = underweight
• 18.5-24.9 = healthy weight
• 25-29.9 = overweight
• 30 or greater = very overweight or obese

Waist size is important too!

• A woman's waist size should be under 80cm/31.5"
• A man's waist size should be under 94cm/37"

*BMI may not be an accurate indicator for some groups of people, including body builders, athletes, the elderly, pregnant women, children or those less than five feet tall.