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Q. Why is my weight important when I come in for a problem like a rash or sore throat?
Answer By:
Janel McCormick, PA-C Lolo Family Practice
October, 2006
A: Many times we're asked why your weight is checked when you come in for a problem like a rash or sore throat. Your weight is considered an important piece of medical information to us. Just as we routinely measure your temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, we do our best to get your weight at every appointment. That information may not be needed at the time, but can be very helpful during future visits.
We sometimes become aware of other medical conditions by weight changes, especially if they are unintentional, or happen without other lifestyle changes. Weight increases can indicate thyroid conditions or other glandular problems. Increases over a short time period can occur with congestive heart failure, and illnesses that cause fluid retention. Since you may not be seen in the office frequently, having a baseline weight is important in order to compare future measurements.
If you were to become ill, weight changes over time can help determine possible causes. Weight loss can signify thyroid problems, diabetes, depression, and certain cancers, among other illnesses. In sudden illnesses like diarrhea or vomiting, for example, weight changes can help us know the severity of illness, and therefore the best treatment.
Occasionally medications can cause weight gain or loss, and/or change of appetite. Once again the starting weight is important to know. Your weight sometimes helps determine what doses of medicine should be prescribed.
What you weigh also gives us as health care providers a better idea of your physical health, and to determine other potential health risks. Being underweight or undernourished can increase the chance of osteoporosis and cause nutritional deficiencies. In children, failure to gain weight needs a full evaluation. In older persons, weight loss can be a sign of depression or bring to light problems with living situations.
Being overweight can lead to several serious medical conditions. We usually assess weight as a comparison to height to calculate the Body Mass Index, or BMI. This is the weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. (confusing!) Most health care providers have charts of BMI readily available to consult. You can ask what yours is next time you visit our office, or can easily calculate on many websites, including WebMD.com. BMIs over 27 have been shown to correlate with an increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. WHERE the extra weight is can also help predict risk. Waist sizes over 35 inches for women, and 40 inches for men mean high risk. (Values change for Asian population) Waist sizes are not yet routinely measured in our practice, but they can be helpful for determining overall risk. To measure your waist size, go around your waist at the bellybutton level.
It is impossible for any of us to determine which persons will develop a given medical condition, regardless of weight or family history. The best we can do is give you advice about which things increase the chance of that happening. Obesity is the #2 preventable cause of death and disease in America. If we or you notice your weight changing over time, we can test for certain conditions if needed… offer nutritional information to help avoid it becoming a problematic issue.
Many people have struggles with their weight, and would prefer not to have it brought to attention; our job as health care providers is to monitor ALL aspects of you health in order to give you the best possible information. We want to help you keep yourself as healthy as you can. Prevention of disease when possible is our goal!
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