BMI, or body mass index, measures your weight relative to your height. Developed by a mathematician in the 19th century, it has become a widely used tool to identify risks associated with low and high weight. However, BMI does not provide a complete picture of your health.
– Standard Classifications:
– Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
– Healthy weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
– Overweight: BMI 25 to 30
– Obesity: BMI 30 or above
These classifications, while useful, have limitations.
Limitations of BMI:
1. Labels and Stigmatization:
– BMI labels can be discouraging and stigmatizing.
– Your BMI may suggest that you have overweight or obesity, but these are health conditions, not your identity.
2. Inaccuracy:
– Muscle vs. Fat: An athlete might have a higher BMI than an older, sedentary adult due to muscle mass.
– Ethnic Variations: BMI benchmarks do not apply universally. For example, in Asian populations, health risks can arise at a lower BMI, so a BMI over 23 may signal overweight.
A Holistic Health Assessment:
BMI offers a convenient initial snapshot, but it’s not the whole picture. Your health narrative is more complex than a number. Our weight-management team supplements BMI with:
– Other Measurements:
– Waist circumference
– Body fat percentage
– Comprehensive Review:
– Medical history
This approach provides a thorough understanding of your body composition and identifies risks that BMI alone may overlook.
Approaching Weight Management from Five Angles:
Losing 5-10% of your body weight can significantly improve conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Our focus is not just on the scale but on your overall well-being, including your feelings, body functionality, and relationship with food. Our weight-management team supports your health and goals through five key areas:
1. Treating Underlying Medical Causes:
– Addressing conditions like low thyroid levels, sleep apnea, stress, insulin resistance, and medications that impact weight.
2. Personalized Nutrition Plans:
– Tailoring eating plans to your food preferences, health history, and lifestyle.
3. Exercise Recommendations:
– Guiding you toward activities that match your capacities and preferences to improve conditions leading to weight gain and prevent weight regain.
4. Behavioral Changes:
– Supporting you in cultivating a healthier relationship with food, physical activity, and your body.
5. Weight-Loss Medications:
– Exploring advanced medication options to help break through lifelong barriers to weight loss.
By taking this comprehensive and personalized approach, we aim to provide you with a more accurate and supportive path to achieving your health and wellness goals.
