Understanding your body mass index, or BMI, allows you to know whether or not your weight is ideal for your height. A BMI above 25 indicates that you are overweight, while a BMI above 30 means you are obese. If your BMI is above the normal range, you are at a greater risk for certain health conditions. Having a BMI that is too low can also affect your health.
Significance
Knowing your BMI is very significant for your doctor. In addition to his physical assessment and the information he gathers from you, understanding your BMI helps guide his further assessment and treatment decisions regarding your care. Take, for example, an adult male patient who is suddenly experiencing frequent urination. If that patient's BMI is within the range of normal, his doctor may suspect his prostate as the culprit and perform testing to rule it out. However, if this patient's BMI is high enough to put him at risk for conditions like diabetes, which is also associated with frequent urination, his doctor may begin testing to rule out diabetes before looking at the prostate.
Function
The process by which your doctor calculates your BMI is relatively simple. During an office visit, it is common procedure for your doctor, or your doctor's nurse, to record your weight. Your doctor may also measure and record your height if he believes this measurement has changed from your last visit. After obtaining your weight and height, your doctor will use a BMI chart, or a computer program, to calculate your BMI. You can also calculate your own BMI by using one of the numerous BMI calculators available online.
Results
According to Mayo Clinic, your doctor will categorize your weight based on your BMI. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal, or healthy. If your BMI is 25.0 to 29.9, you are in the overweight category. If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, you are considered obese. Additionally, your BMI may fall below 18.5, in which case you are underweight. If your BMI falls into a category other than normal, your doctor will want to discuss with you the potential health risks associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese.
On Being Underweight and Overweight
Being underweight is not always a good thing, and if your BMI indicates that you fall within this category, you may be at risk for health concerns, such as osteoporosis and general malnutrition. Your doctor will likely discuss your diet and exercise habits with you, as well as advise you on the importance of maintaining a healthy BMI.
If your BMI places you into the overweight category, your doctor will inform you about your increased potential for important health risks. Being overweight carries a greater risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Ask your doctor for recommendations regarding diet and exercise to help you lower your BMI to within normal range.
Warning Regarding Obesity
If your BMI is above 30, it is time to talk to your doctor about significant changes in your lifestyle. Your doctor may recommend a strict diet and exercise regimen, or in cases of extreme -- or morbid -- obesity, he may even recommend pharmacological intervention, such as medication for appetite suppression. Obesity places you at very high, or even imminent risk, of developing diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and even certain types of cancer. Although it may be difficult to reach the goal of a normal BMI, there is hope. According to Mayo Clinic, even a modest loss of weight lowers your risk of these weight-related health conditions.
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