Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement used to assess health risks of Obesity

The Body Mass Index or BMI is the most commonly used method for determining a patient’s weight category and body size. It is used to measure whether you are in a healthy weight range for your height. 

BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms  by your height in metres squared.

An adult with a BMI of 30 or more is considered Obese.

BMI is usually a good indicator of body fat  for most people; however, BMI does not differentiate between body fat and muscle mass. Therefore, those with a lot of muscle bulk will have a high BMI, but are not necessarily overweight or obese.

It’s important to note that a reputable doctor  should determine an individual’s personal BMI to assess whether their BMI or excess weight poses a health risk.

An individual’s BMI should not be used alone to assess Obesity.

Further assessments for the diagnosis of Obesity include:

• Blood Tests
• Physical Examination
• Review of Family History
• Waist Measurement
• Skinfold Thickness Measurements
• Evaluation of Diet & Physical Activity