Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI is a calculation that compares height and weight to estimate a person’s body fat. It is useful for studying populations, but has significant limitations when applied to individuals. Regardless of its limitations, it is used to determine who is eligible for anti-obesity medications and bariatric surgery. The FDA has approved the use of anti-obesity medications for people with a BMI >30 or a BMI >27 with an weight-related illness like diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea. Bariatric surgery is approved for people with a BMI >40 or a BMI >35 with a weight-related illness. 

In our office, we have equipment that can accurately assess your body composition, much better than BMI. As you lose weight you lose fat, muscle, and water. Without proper attention, some people lose a lot of muscle during weight loss. We track our patients’ body fat, muscle mass, and water to make sure you are losing mostly fat and minimal muscle.

BMI Categories:
Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5–24.9
Overweight = 25–29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater