Body Mass Index

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: August 22, 2011

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Body mass index, or BMI, is a common topic of discussion among those seeking a higher level of fitness, as well as those undergoing medical weight management. The process of losing weight typically involves burning fat and building muscle or lean body mass. As you lose weight, it is equally important to strive for a healthy BMI range.

Determining your BMI is a general indicator of your overall health and a specific indicator of whether or not you are in a healthy weight range. As an adult, your BMI is calculated based on your height and weight, and is not gender-specific. A healthy BMI range is typically between 18.5 and 26.9, while under 18.5 is considered underweight, and 30.0 and over, obese.

BMI ranges for children are based on age and gender, and compared to other children by percentiles within the same age and gender. Any child at or above the 95th percentile is considered obese.

The BMI calculation involves the following steps: divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches, square that number, and multiply by 703. You can also use a BMI calculator.

Maintaining a healthy BMI range is important, as it reduces your risk for obesity-related diseases and conditions, such as stroke or heart attacks, hypertension, breast and colon cancer, and diabetes, as well as injuries to the back and joints. A related consideration for determining a healthy weight range is waist circumference; over 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men places them within the obese range.

The most commonly misunderstood part of BMI discussions focuses on the difference between body weight in someone who is overweight due to excess fat, and one who appears to be overweight or have a high BMI due to increased musculature and lean body mass. BMI statistics do not take body build into consideration; therefore, highly fit people may appear to be overweight or within high BMI ranges, when in fact, they are healthy.

Consultation with your healthcare professional can provide the necessary advice you need concerning medical weight management, efforts to lose weight, and whether or not you are within healthy BMI ranges based on your individual lifestyle.

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

lauren weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

emily weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

Reviews

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 418 reviews 
    
  
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you
And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
     
   John J 
 1 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My weight loss is going well because of Scottsdale Weight Loss Center.  I couldn’t do it without them
     
   Robert D 
 5 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best of the best - Dr. Z !!
     
   Mar S 
 5 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Biltmore location is top notch! Everyone there is so very friendly, professional and makes the experience so personal and easy. Highly recommend!
     
   Sue M 
 7 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This practice is everything you would want from a physician office. Professional and knowledgeable staff and caring providers 10 stars!!!!
     
   Lisa Y 
 13 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything perfect
     
   Andi K 
 19 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
   Mj W 
 25 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
     
   Donna L 
 27 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
   Merle S 
 50 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
   Paula S 
 53 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
   Joyce K 
 60 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
   Brian H 
 64 days ago
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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