Know Your BMI
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              Dr. Paul J. Robinson DPR Logo Your Partner in Family Medicine

Specializing in Health, Wellness and Weight Loss

Adult BMI is a measure of how much you weight compared to how tall you are. Calculate your number.  Do you like what you see?

What does your BMI mean?

BMI is a fairly reliable indicator of body fatness for most people. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat, such as underwater weighing and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).  BMI can be considered an alternative for direct measures of body fat. Additionally, BMI is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

How is BMI used?

BMI is used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems for adults. However, BMI is not a diagnostic tool. For example, a person may have a high BMI. However, to determine if excess weight is a health risk, a healthcare provider would need to perform further assessments. These assessments might include skinfold thickness measurements, evaluations of diet, physical activity, family history, and other appropriate health screenings.

The standard weight status categories associated with BMI ranges for adults are shown in the following table.

BMI
Weight Status
Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5 – 24.9 Normal
25.0 – 29.9 Overweight
30.0 and Above Obese
 

If you are overweight or obese, take measures to up your lifestyle by taking measures to learn how to lose weight effectively through lifestyle change.  It starts with everyday habits and knowing how to put your personal puzzle pieces together to lose unwanted pounds.  DPR Wellness Zone members learn how to lose it and keep it off by learning how to make healthier lifestyle choices by living with new habits.  We show you how to Win at Weight Loss.  If you are underweight, we can show you how to build lean mass through positive weight gain and not just pounds added to your body frame.

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