Overweight

Overweight is a health classification often used in adult screening based on the relationship between weight and height. Body mass index, or BMI, is one measure used in this assessment. A category does not describe a person's worth, fitness, eating habits or full medical situation. Healthdirect’s BMI and waist-circumference guide

A screening label is a starting point

BMI cannot distinguish muscle from body fat and has limitations in different groups. A doctor may consider waist measurements, medical history and other information when discussing health. Do not assume that a category alone establishes a diagnosis or requires a particular treatment. Healthdirect’s BMI and waist-circumference guide

If you use the BMI calculator, check the measurements and units. A result based on an incorrect height can be misleading. Keep the output in context rather than treating a small change across a category boundary as a sudden transformation in health.

Focus the consultation on your question

Explain what you want help with: a recent change, a health concern, difficulty with daily activities or questions about eating and movement. Include any unintentional weight change, appetite change or relevant medicines. You do not need to arrive with a calorie target.

Tell the clinician if previous dieting or tracking has caused distress. Numerical tools are not useful for everyone. A plan should take account of medical needs, daily circumstances and your relationship with food. Healthdirect’s weight-loss and dieting guide

What care may involve

A doctor can discuss whether assessment, tests, dietary support or another approach is appropriate. Weight management is not synonymous with a prescription. The right next step depends on the individual and may involve ongoing support from more than one professional.

Doccio's weight management service provides an opportunity to discuss your circumstances. A doctor decides what is appropriate. Ask how progress should be measured and when to review the plan. Improvements in daily function or other clinical measures may matter alongside weight, and no calculator can promise a particular outcome for an individual.