Although high BMI is associated with significant health risks, not everyone with a high BMI is unhealthy.
In fact, some may be healthier. It is possible to be at a healthy weight at a variety of sizes. Extremes in weight, both too high and too low, are associated with increased health risk but it is eating and exercise behavior that are the most important.
Many athletes have high BMIs due to increased lean muscle mass. Helping individuals focus on finding and accepting a natural body weight range that will allow them to remain active and healthy is much more important than focusing on BMI or weight norms or beauty ideals. Review of growth curves and hormone levels can help physicians set appropriate weight range goals.
