On June 14, 2023, the American Medical Association (AMA) released a press release stating that it is adopting a new policy to clarify how the body mass indexA value derived from the mass (weight) and height of a person. A healthy range is between 18.5-24.9, overweight is defined as 25-29.9 and obese… (BMIA value derived from the mass (weight) and height of a person. A healthy range is between 18.5-24.9, overweight is defined as 25-29.9 and obese…) can be used in medical practice. This policy is placed into action as it was recognized by the AMA that the BMI measurement is problematic when used as the sole tool to measure body fat and does not account for race, ethnicity, gender, and age.
Here is an explanation of this press release from an expert in Endocrinology, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen.
Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen is a double board-certified physician in endocrinology with a particular interest in obesity, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. Dr. Salas-Whalen provides customized medical care and is a strong advocateTo self-advocate in your health is to communicate your needs for prevention rather than treatment of obesity and diabetes. Her practice is at New York Endocrinology in the Upper East side of Manhattan. To request an appointment, click here. You can follow Dr. Salas-Whalen on social media @DrSalasWhalen
To learn more about the impact of weight bias in obesity and IIH, click here. For the summer, we will be updating our website with bi-weekly articles. We look forward to seeing you at our next live webinar on July 13th at 6pm EST on “Best Practices for Venous Sinus StentingA minimally invasive surgery during which a metallic mesh in the shape of a tube (stent) is placed in the sinus.. Are we over-treating or under-treating patients?” – register here.
