Do you know your BMI, or body mass index? It is found by using weight in pounds, divided by height in inches squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703. I will link to the CDC’s chart below for you to calculate where you fall on the interpretation chart. The CDC says that as the BMI increases, the risk of severe illness and death from Covid-19 increases. That extra weight could make a huge difference between life, sickness, and death in trying to survive the coronavirus. This is a sobering fact right now as the coronavirus continues to spread. For orthopedics, Paragon Orthopedic Center uses the BMI to determine if you are eligible for certain surgeries. We have discussed how obesity impairs your immune system and results in poor wound healing, so both Dr. Bents and Dr. Van Horne urged their patients to lose weight for the best surgical outcomes even before this virus hit. If you are obese, your risk of hospitalization due to the virus triples. The Wall Street Journal recently had an article discussing the rise in the number of surgical cases for obesity fueled by Covid-19. People who are carrying around too much weight are fearful of what this virus could mean if they get it, so they’re seeking surgical options to help lose the weight. If this speaks to you, don’t let failures to lose weight in the past stop you from trying again. Maybe this will be the time you lose the weight. Don’t forget the value of exercise and healthy food choices. Do it for those you love and would like you to be the best you can be. Paragon Orthopedic Center applauds your efforts!
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html#Interpreted
