Obesity Screening
Reviewed
Also called: BMI screening, body mass index screening
Obesity screenings check for obesity and overweight in adults and children, starting as early as age 2.
Specimen: Not applicable (height and weight measurements)
Why this test may be ordered
- To find out if an adult or child has an unhealthy body weight for their height
- To help a provider understand a person's risk for diseases linked to extra body fat
- To track BMI over time and catch weight gain early
- To monitor risk for health problems related to body fat in those already overweight or with obesity
Preparation and collection
You don't need to prepare for an obesity screening. If you're also having certain blood tests to learn more about your health, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for a period of time.
An obesity screening is usually part of a routine checkup that includes a physical exam. Your provider will measure your height and weight. That information is usually entered into an online BMI calculator.
There is no risk to having a BMI or a measurement of your waist or skinfolds.
Understanding results
BMI for adults ages 20 and older is calculated from height and weight information. The result is a number called a BMI score. Higher BMI scores are linked to larger amounts of body fat and a higher risk for certain health problems.
- Healthy weight (adults: BMI 18.5 to 24.9; children and teens: 5th to 85th percentile): A healthy weight is a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. Limitation: Also, some people who have a healthy BMI may still have high amounts of body fat. Next step: Talk with your provider if you have questions about how accurate a BMI is for your body type.
- Overweight (adults: BMI 25 to 29.9; children and teens: 85th to 94th percentile): Overweight is a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Limitation: This means a very muscular person could have a BMI in the overweight range even though they don't have too much body fat. Next step: If an obesity screening shows that you have obesity or are overweight, your provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
- Obesity (adults: BMI 30 and above; children and teens: 95th percentile or higher): Obesity is a BMI of 30 and above. Limitation: BMI also can't see where in the body someone is carrying fat. Next step: Your plan will depend on how much weight you need to lose and the cause of your weight gain.
- BMI cannot tell if your weight is from extra fat or muscle
- A very muscular person could have a BMI in the overweight range even without too much body fat
- Some people with a healthy BMI may still have high amounts of body fat
- Obesity screening does not show the amount of fat a person has and cannot diagnose any health conditions
What to do next
If an obesity screening shows that you have obesity or are overweight, your provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan. If you have questions about obesity screening or treatments to lower your BMI, talk with your provider.
- What does my BMI result mean for my health?
- Do I need any other tests to check for conditions related to weight?
- What lifestyle changes would you recommend for me?
- Are there weight-loss treatments that might be right for me?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.