Provider Weight Management Resources

EmblemHealth recommends that you screen and treat all patients ages 2 and over annually for weight issues/obesity by using the Body Mass Index (BMI) screening tools below. The primary goals of treatment should be to change eating habits and physical activity routines and resolve any comorbid conditions. Interventions should focus on encouraging dietary changes, increasing physical activity, and modifying behaviors, rather than weight loss alone.

Assessing Obesity with a BMI

BMI is a quick and easy way to determine if a person is overweight or obese and is recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Correspondingly, EmblemHealth has developed clinical practice guidelines.

BMI is calculated from a person’s height and weight. For children and adolescents under the age of 16, you must also plot their BMI on growth charts to determine a BMI percentile ranking, since BMI norms vary with age and gender.

BMI Calculators

Measure your patients’ BMI using these calculators:

• Adult BMI Calculator
• Child and Teen BMI Calculator

BMI Documentation Forms

Document your patients’ BMI by using these forms:

• Adult BMI Documentation Form
• Child and Adolescent BMI Documentation Forms

Weight Management Tools for Your Practice

Utilize these helpful weight management resources in your practice. You will find tools for medical providers and educational materials for your patients within these links.

• New York City Department Of Health Public Health Detailing Campaign
• CDC Physical Activity Resources for Health Professionals
• CDC Nutritional Resources for Health Professionals
• National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Information for Health Professionals
• New York State Department of Health BMI Screening Materials
• Find Your Nearest YMCA