Body weight is only one part of health, but excess adiposity can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, fatty liver disease, joint problems and cardiovascular disease. At the same time, being underweight or losing weight unintentionally can also signal important medical problems.
BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis
Body mass index can help identify population-level weight categories, but it does not directly measure body fat distribution, muscle mass or metabolic health. Waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, lipids, fitness and clinical history add useful context.
Prefer slow, sustainable change
Long-term weight management is more likely to succeed when it is built around eating patterns you can maintain, regular movement, adequate sleep and realistic portion awareness. Very restrictive diets may produce rapid initial changes but can be difficult to sustain and may not be appropriate for everyone.
Arrange assessment for unexplained weight loss, rapid weight gain, suspected eating disorder, severe obesity, or weight problems accompanied by fatigue, breathlessness, menstrual change or other symptoms.
This article is general health information and does not replace an individual medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment plan.