What Should You Know about Body Mass Index

Body mass index, known as BMI for short, is a simple calculation that healthcare providers use to assess whether a patient has a healthy body weight for a person of their height. It is a widely used metric in the medical community to provide a general indication of whether a person is underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese.
 
A BMI that falls within the range of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal and healthy. Furthermore, a BMI of 18.5 or lower indicates that the individual is underweight. On the other hand, a BMI that ranges between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 or higher falls within the obesity range.
 
It’s important to keep in mind that while BMI is a useful general guideline, it has its limitations. For instance, it may not accurately reflect the body fat percentage of athletes or individuals with a muscular build, as muscle mass can result in a higher BMI.
 
Similarly, older adults may have more body fat than younger adults with the same BMI due to lower bone density. Therefore, BMI should be carefully considered alongside other health indicators for a comprehensive assessment of a person’s wellness.

While there are ways to check your BMI online, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider for an accurate result and guidance on what it means for your overall health.
 
To calculate your BMI, two pieces of information are needed: your weight in kilograms and your height in meters. Your healthcare provider can promptly and accurately calculate your BMI at your next appointment. In addition to calculating your BMI, your healthcare provider can also explain what your BMI result means and offer advice on improving it.
 
For example, if your BMI indicates you are underweight, your doctor may provide you with guidance regarding nutritional strategies to gain weight safely and avoid potential health issues, such as nutritional deficiencies. On the other hand, if you are overweight or obese, your healthcare provider will discuss how to manage your weight to improve your wellness.

Understanding your BMI is important for several reasons. A higher BMI can increase your risk of diseases that are linked with increased body fat. These include serious health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, certain types of cancer, and breathing problems.
 
By knowing your BMI, you can take steps to manage your weight and lower your risk of these conditions. Healthcare providers use BMI to make crucial health management decisions. It helps in planning preventative measures, recommending nutritional guidelines, and creating treatment plans.
 
For those actively trying to manage their weight, knowing your BMI can be motivational and a practical measure of progress. It allows both you and your healthcare provider to track the effectiveness of your dietary changes, physical activity, and other lifestyle adjustments over the course of your weight management plan.

Yes, your doctor can easily check your BMI during a regular visit, along with other vital health indicators. During your appointment, your doctor will measure your weight and height using standard medical equipment. These measurements are then used to calculate your BMI. The formula used is your weight in kilograms divided by the square of your height in meters.
 
Your BMI is a clear indicator of whether you’re at an increased risk for health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and other weight-related issues. If your BMI is higher or lower than the normal range, your doctor will discuss recommended lifestyle changes and treatments that could help you improve your wellness.
 
If you are interested in learning about your BMI, let your healthcare provider know during your visit. The experts at Primary Prevention Center are here to help you understand your BMI and create a personalized treatment plan to get you into a healthy range. Schedule your visit today to get started on your journey towards better wellness. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are located at 638 Newtown-Yardley Road Suite 2G Newtown, PA 18940. We serve patients from Newtown PA, Richboro PA, Newtown Grant PA, Churchville PA, Woodbourne PA, Yardley PA, Southampton PA, Langhorne PA, Bucks County PA, and surrounding areas.