How it works
Go to your account dashboard and look for the BMI Risk tool
If you have not completed your health profile, the BMI Risk tool will be locked. Select the ‘Complete assessment’ button
Now complete the assessment questionnaire
You will now be graded with a risk score, and redirected to the tool on your dashboard
If your score indicates a risk then you will see a warning sign. Click the warning sign and you will now be able to see an advisory message advising you what to do
If you are graded as obese, then we will automatically check if you qualify for weight loss treatments. If you are, you will see a recommendation appear on the Weight Loss Programs tool which you can select to proceed to a Weight Loss consultation
Every 3 months, we recommend that you repeat the assessment or update your health profile. Your risk may change as you adapt your lifestyle by implementing healthy living advice provided or if you are prescribed a weight loss treatment
Service Guide
Everything you need to know about the BMI Risk tool
What is the BMI Risk tool?
The BMI Risk tool is a clinical risk measure of healthy weight that applies to adult men and women. A healthy weight is a number that is associated with a low risk of weight-related diseases and health issues.
Do I need to pay to use the BMI Risk tool?
No. The tool is free to use after you have created a NowPatient account.
How is the NowPatient BMI Risk tool different to traditional BMI calculations?
Traditional BMI calculations only use your height and weight to determine if you are at a healthy weight.
The NowPatient BMI Risk tool is an advanced measure that also takes into consideration other parameters such as your age, sex, and ethnicity. For example, If you’re from a black and ethnic minority group, you’re at increased risk of type 2 diabetes with a BMI of 23 or more.
What are the limitations of the NowPatient BMI Risk tool?
If you have an eating disorder, the BMI score results do not apply. Please get further advice from your doctor or other health care professional.
The BMI calculation does not include muscle mass, which weighs more than fat. This means muscular adults and athletes may be classed as overweight or obese even though their body fat is low. Adults who lose muscle as they get older may fall into the healthy weight range even though they may be carrying excess fat.
In addition, for pregnant users, the BMI calculations should not be relied upon when using pregnancy weight.
What do I need to do to get my BMI Risk information?
NowPatient uses the data in your health profile to automatically determine your risk. If your health profile is not up to date, you can select the BMI Risk tool on your dashboard and complete the assessment manually.
The BMI Risk tool uses the following special category data:
- Age
- Height
- Weight
- Ethnicity
- Waist size
What do the risk scores mean?
The below table highlights the meaning behind your risk score.
Why should I need to know my BMI score?
By using the NowPatient BMI Risk tool, we can identify if you are at risk of developing certain long-term conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke. We can then provide you with interventions such as weight management and lifestyle modification advice. Reducing BMI has been shown to reduce the incidence of weight-related long-term health conditions.
Why do you use my waist size?
Although we do not use this in the NowPatient BMI Risk calculation, waist size is important because carrying too much fat around your stomach can raise your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke, even if you have a healthy BMI.
If your waist size is:
- >94cm (37ins) for men
- >80cm (31.5ins) for women
It means you are carrying too much fat around your stomach which can raise your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. We recommend that you try and lose weight.
If your waist size is:
- >102cm (40ins) for men
- >88cm (34ins) for women
It means you are carrying too much fat around your stomach which can raise your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. We recommend that you try and lose weight. You have a very high risk of developing long-term health conditions. You should make an appointment with your GP.
How do I measure my waist size?
To measure your waist size, follow the following steps:
- Find the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips
- Wrap a tape measure around your waist midway between these points
- Breathe out naturally before taking the measurement
What should I do if my score puts me at risk of developing long-term conditions?
If the BMI Risk tool puts you ‘at risk’ of developing long-term health conditions, you can raise this with your doctor, at your next appointment. NowPatient can also qualify you for risk reducing strategies such as a weight loss interventions. If you qualify for weight loss treatments, you will see this appear on the BMI Risk tool as a recommendation. NowPatient also provides you will healthy living and lifestyle modulating strategies that can help you reduce your weight and risks to long term conditions. Examples include interventions around diet and exercise.
Is BMI Risk safe for me to use?
Yes. BMI Risk is classified as a class I medical device under UK MDR 2002 regulations, for its intended use.
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WHY WE BUILT NOWPATIENT
We are committed to helping everyone, everywhere live healthier lives
The NowPatient virtual care platform provides you with access to trusted health information, affordable treatments, management of chronic health conditions and continuous monitoring for health risks. NowPatient can be accessed by downloading the App or using your web browser.
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