WASHINGTON — Chances are you know your blood pressure. What about your BMI?
Body-mass index signals whether you’re overweight, obese or just right, considering your height. Some doctors call it a vital sign, as crucial to monitor as blood pressure.
A government panel renewed a call Monday for every adult to be screened for obesity during checkups, suggesting more physicians should be routinely calculating their patients’ BMIs.
And when someone crosses the line into obesity, the doctor needs to do more than mention a diet. It’s time to refer those patients for intensive nutrition-and-fitness help, say the guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Don’t assume your weight is OK if the doctor doesn’t bring it up. Patients “should be asking what their BMI is and tracking that over time,” said task-force member Dr. David Grossman, medical director for preventive care at the Group Health Cooperative in Seattle.
By the numbers: A normal BMI is less than 25. Obesity begins at 30. In between is considered overweight. To calculate yours, go to .
The Associated Press
