Screening for obesity uses which measurement at every visit?

Screening for obesity uses which measurement at every visit?

• A. Height only
• B. Weight and body fat percentage
• C. BMI
• D. Waist circumference

Answer: (C)

BMI is used because it provides a quick, standardized estimate of body fatness by combining two simple measurements—weight and height. It categorizes weight status (underweight, normal, overweight, obese) and is routinely used to screen and track changes over time, guiding whether further assessment or intervention is needed. Height alone can’t indicate obesity, waist circumference assesses central fat but isn’t the universal screening measure for overall obesity, and body fat percentage isn’t routinely measured in most settings due to variability and practicality. So BMI best serves obesity screening at every visit.

BMI is used because it provides a quick, standardized estimate of body fatness by combining two simple measurements—weight and height. It categorizes weight status (underweight, normal, overweight, obese) and is routinely used to screen and track changes over time, guiding whether further assessment or intervention is needed. Height alone can’t indicate obesity, waist circumference assesses central fat but isn’t the universal screening measure for overall obesity, and body fat percentage isn’t routinely measured in most settings due to variability and practicality. So BMI best serves obesity screening at every visit.