BMI stands for body mass index and can be a useful tool for assessing certain health risks. To determine your BMI, which provides a rough estimate of total body fat, you must know your weight and height. A family health care provider can calculate the precise figure at every exam, and you can track any changes between appointments by using an online calculator. For most people, a reasonable BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. If your BMI is 25 or higher, you may be at risk of the following health problems. 

Physical Conditions

Researchers have linked all kinds of physical illnesses and conditions to obesity. For example, carrying around a considerable amount of excess weight can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, kidney disease, fatty liver disease, and complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Obesity has also been found to increase the risk of certain kinds of cancer by affecting hormone levels, insulin levels, cell growth regulators, and inflammation. 

Mental Health Disorders

The link between mental health and obesity is complicated. At the end of the day, every case is different, and some patients may struggle with obesity because of a mental illness while others struggle with their mental health because they are overweight. Regardless of which comes first, though, it is clear there is a link between a high BMI and mental health disorders. In one study, for example, researchers found that people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were at a higher risk of becoming obese, while in another study, scientists determined obese individuals have a higher risk of suffering from depression. 

If you are Medicare-age, and concerned about your weight, talk to your healthcare provider about Mille Lacs Health System’s Guided Weight Loss Program.

If you are concerned about your BMI and want to reduce the risk of weight-related conditions, turn to the family health care providers at Mille Lacs Health System in Onamia, MN. In addition to the comprehensive emergency care and surgical services that they already offer, they will soon be part of a Medicare-sponsored program for patients who have a BMI over 30. This collaborative program will connect patients with dieticians, registered nurses, and medical providers who can help them lose weight in a safe, sustainable way. After undergoing an assessment, patients will receive personalized medical advice, an individualized weight-loss plan, coaching on behavioral techniques, and ongoing support for up to 12 months. You can learn more about all the services the family health care providers at Mille Lacs Health System offer by visiting their website or calling (320) 532-3154.