Screening for Obesity

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.

Screening Tests

There are no laboratory tests or screening guidelines to determine whether you will gain weight and eventually become obese. Rather, you will probably notice any weight gain by looking at yourself in the mirror and noticing how your clothes fit.

However, each time you go to your healthcare provider, you are probably weighed. Your medical records may also contain your height. Your healthcare provider can then use these two numbers to calculate your body mass index (BMI), which provides a screening for obesity. Your waist circumference can also help determine if you have more body fat than is recommended.