Ideas in this flowchart

• BMI is used to assess weight status in adults and populations.
• BMI serves as a screening tool for possible weight problems in adults.
• BMI is not a diagnostic tool.
• A high BMI alone does not establish that excess weight is a health risk.
• A healthcare provider must perform further assessments when health risk needs to be determined.
• Further assessments may evaluate several health-related factors.
• Skinfold thickness measurements may be included.
• Diet and physical activity may be evaluated.
• Family history and other appropriate health screenings may be considered.
• BMI calculation is one of the best methods for assessing overweight and obesity in populations.
• BMI calculation requires only height and weight.
• Because it requires limited information, BMI is inexpensive and easy to use.
• BMI can be used by clinicians and the general public.
• BMI allows people to compare their weight status with that of the general population.