Obesity Screening Test
An obesity screening uses your height and weight to estimate your body fat and check if you are overweight or have obesity. This helps your provider understand your risk for health problems linked to extra body fat.
What this test measures
Obesity screening estimates how much body fat you have using a calculation called BMI (body mass index). It does not measure body fat directly.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
A high BMI may mean you have obesity or are overweight, which increases your risk for serious health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Frequently asked questions
What is an obesity screening?
It is a check that uses your height and weight to estimate your body fat and see if you are overweight or have obesity.
How is obesity screening done?
It is done with a calculation called BMI (body mass index), which uses your height and weight.
Who should get an obesity screening?
Adults and children as young as age 2 can be screened for obesity.
What does a high BMI mean?
A high BMI means you may have obesity or be overweight, which raises your risk for health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
What happens if my screening shows obesity?
Your provider will work with you on a treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes, counseling, medicines, or surgery.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Obesity Screening — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.