Body Mass Index
BMI
Description
"Body Mass Index (BMI)" test calculates your weight in relation to your height to assess whether you fall into underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese categories. It’s commonly used to identify risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Although it doesn’t measure body fat directly, BMI offers a useful snapshot of overall health. Doctors use the results to guide lifestyle recommendations, such as dietary changes, increased activity, or further evaluation to manage weight-related risks.
Test Category
General Function
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
No biological sample is needed for this test.
Units
Ratio
Procedure Category
Scan
Test Group
Body Composition Assessment
Test Group Description
Body Composition Assessment: Tests within this group analyze the proportions of different components of the body, such as fat, muscle, and bone.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 18.50–22.00 R
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 18.50–24.90 R
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Cushing's syndrome (endocrine disorder)
Excessive calorie intake
Genetic predisposition
Hypothyroidism (endocrine disorder)
Lack of physical activity
Obesity
Overweight
Physical inactivity
Poor dietary habits
Decreased levels may indicate:
Anorexia nervosa (eating disorder)
Bulimia nervosa (eating disorder)
Chronic illness
Depression (psychological disorder)
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
Inadequate calorie intake
Malabsorption syndromes (gastrointestinal disorder)
Malnutrition
Underweight
Key Reasons For Testing
Health Risk Assessment: Identifies weight-related risks like heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes to guide preventive care.
Weight Management: Provides a baseline to evaluate if weight is healthy and facilitates discussions on lifestyle changes.
Monitoring Growth and Development: Tracks growth in children and teens to detect underweight or overweight conditions early.
Evaluation of Treatment Outcomes: Monitors changes in BMI to assess the effectiveness of weight management strategies.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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