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BMI is often the first thing people hear when weight is discussed, but it is not the whole story. Used correctly, BMI is a screening tool. Used alone, it can miss important parts of health and treatment need.
How BMI is calculated
BMI uses weight divided by height squared and gives a rough screening estimate for whether body weight is low, average, high or in the obesity range.
Why BMI does not tell the whole story
BMI does not measure fat distribution, muscle mass, symptoms or how strongly excess weight is affecting blood pressure, sleep or metabolism.
Why obesity is a medical diagnosis
Obesity is linked to higher risk of comorbidity and often behaves like a chronic disease that needs ongoing support rather than one-time advice.
What treatment options exist
Depending on severity and health risk, treatment may include lifestyle support, medication, structured follow-up and sometimes bariatric surgery.
