Question:
Which one does insurance companies look at.... BMI or Fat Percentage??

My PCP told me that the insurance companies look at fat percentages. My surgeon's staff seamed to be concerned with BMI. So I am totally confused. My BMI is 36 but my Fat Percentage is 43%. My PCP said that 36 BMI did not seamed too bad (I guess since 40 BMI is the magic number), but she said that 43% fat was serious.    — S A. (posted on May 6, 2003)

May 6, 2003
I've been on this site over two years and I've never seen anyone post either here on the Q&A or the message board about their insurance even ASKING for fat percentage. They always want to know your BMI though. As far as my personal experience, my insurance, Kaiser No. California, goes by BMI and co-morbidities as far as evaluating someone for approval for RNY. Do you have incredibly high triglycerides or cholesterol? Perhaps your insurance would condider that a life-threatening co-morbidity. It's definitely worth investigating why your body fat percentage is so high. But I would definitely have all the tests fist before trying to get approval with your insurance. Blessings on your journey to health. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]