Question:
I have heard that I will probably be approved because of my weight and my BMI alone.

I have heard that I will be approved because of my weight and my BMI alone. I checked my BMI on the main entrance page of ObesityHelp.com. They told me it was 53.6, my question is, is that what the doc's also go by and the insurance companies when they check for it? My family doc has never told me what my BMI is, so I just wanted to make sure this one is accurate. Thanks, Angela    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on September 4, 2004)

September 4, 2004
Hi Angela, you can go to http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/bmi-adult-formula.htm and it gives you the formula to calculate your bmi. It also has a calculator on the site as well so you can see if it matches up. Hope this helps and good luck with your journey!
   — srtchick

September 4, 2004
Yes, your bmi is a qualifier and the the one here on AMOS is pretty accurate as is many others that I tried in the past on other sites. Your doctors when they write their letters put your weight, diet and health histories in a letter that is sent off to the insurance company. Good luck, keep asking questions if you have anymore. Christine
   — ChristineB

September 4, 2004
Don't assume just because your BMI is 53.6 that you'll be approved easily. Regulations vary from insurance to insurance. My bmi when I first started was 61.9 and Cigna still found a loophole to deny me the first time. At the time, Cigna required 3 12-week physician supervised diet programs, one of which had to be in the last calendar year. They wouldn't approve me til I completed one in the last calendr year.
   — Cathy S.

September 5, 2004
Insurance Companies are looking to see if you have done everything possible to lose weight. This means your doctor has to have supporting medical entries in your file that states you have tried your best and have failed to lose the weight. You have to have medical conditions that are causing harm to you because of your weight. There are a lot of factors that the insurance company takes into consideration before they approve and because it has become so popular they are cutting back and looking really hard before they approve. Read this site for insurance questions.
   — Linda R.