MY HEALTH CARE VISIT, pp. 9–10

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Determine the patient's BMI and explain what it means.

Speaker Notes:

Use the chart on page 10 of the adult Guide to determine the patient's BMI by locating the point on the chart where her height and weight intersect.

This is a good time for you to explain to the patient that BMI is a measure of her body fat and that it is based on height and weight, not just weight. You can also explain its significance:

• Underweight: BMI <18.5

• Normal weight: BMI 18.5–24.9

• Overweight: BMI 25–29.9

• Obese: BMI >30

A BMI >25 means that she is overweight and at risk for obesity and other diseases. Both overweight and obesity increase the risk for diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type II diabetes.

For additional information on BMI, overweight/obesity, see www.nhlbi.nih.gov or www.cdc.gov.