Body Mass Index (BMI) | Counseling | Therapy

Eating Disorder Therapy in Philadelphia Ocean City Mechanicsville

Alex Robboy , CAS, MSW, ACSW, LCSW — Founder & executive director

Body Mass Index BMI; Body Acceptance Therapy in Philadelphia, PA image

Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe: Body Mass Index (BMI) The formula for BMI is used to determine whether someone is within a healthy weight range. Remember that BMI is a good general guide, but it does not take into account a person’s frame or their percentage of lean muscle mass.

To calculate your BMI:

1. Multiply your weight by 704.5

2. Then take that number and divide it by your height in inches.

3. Then take that number and divide that by your height in inches

Example: a five-foot woman weighs 120 pounds. So the formula for her BMI would be (120 x 704.5) / 64 inches = 1,320 / 64 inches = BMI of 21

* Below 18.5 is underweight
* Between 18.5 and 24 is within a healthy range
* Between 25 and 29 is overweight
* 30 or above is considered obese

Again, BMI is not a perfect measure of body fat and should be used as a general guide rather than a definitive diagnosis. Factors such as muscle mass, age, gender, and overall health can all affect the relationship between BMI and body fat. Therefore, other methods such as skin fold thickness measurement, bioelectrical impedance, and Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) are recommended for a more accurate assessment of body composition.

Additionally, BMI should not be used as the sole determinant of a person's health status. Other factors such as diet, physical activity, and overall health should also be considered when assessing an individual's well-being.

Are you struggling to change or accept your body? Contact a therapist at The Center for Growth by calling 215-922-5683 Ext. 100. We offer therapy in Philadelphia, PA, Ocean City, NJ, and Richmond, VA. We also offer virtual therapy in Georgia and Florida.

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can have serious health consequences if not treated. Treatment for eating disorders typically involves a combination of different therapies and interventions, including:

  1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors related to food and body image. It can help individuals to develop a more positive relationship with food and their body.
  2. Family-based therapy (FBT): This type of therapy involves working with the entire family to help the individual with the eating disorder. It is effective for children and adolescents with eating disorder, and it helps parents to take an active role in their child's recovery.
  3. Interpersonal therapy (IPT): This type of therapy focuses on addressing issues related to social and interpersonal relationships and how they may be contributing to the eating disorder.
  4. Nutritional therapy: This type of therapy is important to help individuals with eating disorder to develop healthy eating habits and overcome any concerns they may have around food.
  5. Medication: Some individuals with eating disorder may benefit from medication to help them manage symptoms such as depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  6. Medical care: Individuals with eating disorders may require close monitoring and treatment of any medical complications.
  7. Inpatient or Residential treatment: In severe cases, inpatient or residential treatment may be necessary to ensure the safety and stability of the individual.

It's important to note that recovery from an eating disorder is a long-term process and that therapy should be tailored to the individual's specific needs. A combination of different therapeutic approaches may be used, and it's important to work with a qualified mental health professional who has experience in treating eating disorders.


InPerson Therapy & Virtual Counseling: Child, Teens, Adults, Couples, Family Therapy and Support Groups. Anxiety, OCD, Panic Attack Therapy, Depression Therapy, FND Therapy, Grief Therapy, Neurodiversity Counseling, Sex Therapy, Trauma Therapy: Therapy in Providence RI, Philadelphia PA, Ocean City NJ, Santa Fe NM, Mechanicsville VA