Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. BMI does not differentiate between body fat and muscle mass. Therefore, bodybuilders and people who have a lot of muscle bulk will have a high BMI but are not overweight or obese.

BMI is usually a good indicator of body fat for most people. Although it doesn’t directly measure body fat, it closely correlates to direct measures of body fat, such as underwater weighing. BMI is also an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method that can help determine if a person’s current weight could potentially lead to health problems.

It’s important to note that BMI is not a diagnostic tool but merely a screening tool. Whether a person has a high BMI or low BMI, an individual’s personal measurement should be left to a reputable doctor to evaluate to determine if excess weight is a health risk. Further assessments may need to be completed including:

  • Family History
  • Evaluations of Diet and Physical Activity
  • Skinfold Thickness Measurements

If you are interested in speaking to the doctor about varying medical weight loss programs at the NYC Medical Weight Loss Clinic – including diets, best practices, prescription weight loss, or techniques (including Thermage or Liposonix) – please contact the Doctor’s NYC medical weight loss center today to schedule your FREE consultation or simply request a consultation online using the eForm on the right.

Manhattan Medical Weight Loss
20 E 46th St., #1201
New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 490-7700