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Understanding Your BMI

Your health is more than a number. Understanding your BMI (Body Mass Index) can help you and your provider make informed decisions about your wellness journey. Whether you’re exploring lifestyle changes, hormonal factors, or medical support like GLP-1 prescriptions, your BMI offers a starting point, not a judgment.

At GetReliefRX, our goal is to help you see the full picture, not just the scale.

Calculate Your BMI

BMI Chart for Women

BMI RangeCategoryInterpretation
Below 18.5UnderweightMay indicate nutritional deficiency or other health concerns
18.5–24.9NormalHealthy weight range for most women
25–29.9OverweightIncreased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular issues
30–34.9Obesity (Class I)May qualify for weight-loss medication
35–39.9Obesity (Class II)Higher health risk; medical intervention recommended
40+Obesity (Class III)Serious health risks; provider evaluation essential

What Is BMI?

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a quick calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate body fat. It’s not a direct measurement of health but rather a tool to help screen for weight-related conditions or determine eligibility for certain medications.

Why Is BMI Important?

GLP-1 prescriptions (like semaglutide) are typically recommended for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 and higher with weight-related conditions (such as hypertension, high cholesterol, or insulin resistance).

Knowing your BMI helps your provider determine if medical weight-loss therapy is appropriate for you, and tailor it safely to your needs.

How could you Lower Your BMI?

Start with sustainable habits: balanced nutrition, daily movement, improved sleep, hydration, and stress management. For some, lifestyle alone isn’t enough, especially when hormones or metabolism play a role.

When to Consider Weight-Loss Medication

If your BMI is 27 or higher and lifestyle changes haven’t achieved lasting results, your provider may recommend exploring compounded GLP-1 medications through a licensed pharmacy like GetReliefRX.

Qualifying BMI for Medical Weight Loss

  • BMI ≥ 30
  • BMI ≥ 27 with a weight-related condition
    (Always evaluated by your licensed healthcare provider.)

Women’s Age
& BMI

Hormones shift through your 30s, 40s, and beyond, slowing metabolism and redistributing fat. A BMI that once felt effortless to maintain may now require new strategies.

Is BMI Accurate?

BMI doesn’t account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. Think of it as a screening tool, not a verdict. Your provider will consider additional lab work and medical history to create a full picture of your health.

Ethnicity
& BMI

Research shows some ethnic groups may experience health risks at lower BMIs. This is why BMI is one factor, not the only one, your provider will use to guide care.

Perimenopause & Menopause Weight Gain

During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels drop, metabolism slows, and fat often redistributes around the abdomen. This can increase BMI even without major lifestyle changes, making personalized care more important than ever.

Healthy BMI for Women

Most women fall within a “healthy” range of 18.5–24.9, but health isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your provider can help define a realistic, sustainable goal that supports your energy, mood, and long-term wellness.

Overweight vs. Obesity: Health Risks

As BMI increases, so can the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and hormonal imbalance. But early intervention, through lifestyle or medication, can reduce these risks and improve metabolic health.

Hormonal Weight Gain & PCOS

Conditions like PCOS or thyroid imbalance can raise BMI and make weight management harder. GLP-1s can help regulate insulin, appetite, and metabolism, supporting women with these conditions more effectively than traditional diets alone.

Lifestyle Changes to Lower Your BMI

  • Eat whole, balanced meals (lean protein, fiber, healthy fats)
  • Walk or move daily, even in short bursts
  • Prioritize 7–8 hours of quality sleep
  • Reduce stress through mindfulness or journaling

BMI Reduction Tips

  • Drink more water
  • Eat nutrient-dense meals
  • Eat mindfully and limit late-night snacking
  • Rest well, sleep impacts metabolism
  • Move daily, even lightly

Disclaimer: Compounded medications are tailored to individual prescriptions and are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy. Use only as directed by your licensed healthcare provider. Results may vary.

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GetReliefRX is a compounding pharmacy dedicated to providing compounded medication covering a range if symptoms.