This categorization is determined by data drawn from the general population and based on the assumption that there is a higher risk of metabolic or cardiovascular disease found at the high end (and sometimes the low end) of the BMI scale. Although recent studies suggest that high BMI scores do not necessarily increase risk of death, doctors find the BMI categories a useful basis for prevention and treatment.
上述分类划定的依据来源于从普通民众中采集的数据，而且基于体重指数偏高（有时偏低）者罹患代谢或心血管病风险较高的假设。虽然近期的研究表明高体重指数并不一定会加大死亡的风险，但医生发现体重指数分类为预防和治疗提供了有益的基础。