GP text asking for height and weight

[INeedNewShoes]

I've looked in Active and can't see any existing threads on this...

I have just received a text from my GP practice asking me to reply with my height and weight.

Is this a nationwide thing?

Are they using to categorise us into weight groups to calculate coronavirus risk?

Wishing I'd eaten fewer pieces of cake lately!

How odd. Maybe give the receptionist a call & ask the reason why?

Nothing here although they already know i'm a fat ass although significantly less of a fat ass from the last time they saw me...

I don't want to bother them unnecessarily! I thought someone here might be able to shed some light on it.

How often do you visit your GP or practice nurse?

No messages like that from our GP.

I’d ring and ask why. I’d be too curious not to.

Mine texted yesterday reminding me they are there if anyone needs MH support at this time (I thought it was really good of them tbh) but none of us have been asked for height/ weight. I'd phone the surgery if I were you and ask :)

I see my GP fairly frequently (every 3-4 months generally).

I’d suspect a scam of some sort if I got this? Although not sure what use it would be.

I’d phone the GP, why would they need to know this?

Might just be updating their records, my GP's receptionists rang up the other day about some test I hadn't bothered with, nothing urgent about it, think they're a bit quiet, and just going through stuff that's been missed.

Have you requested a repeat prescription of your pill?

I'm not on any hormonal contraceptives or any medication where weight is a factor.

I think they're just adding these details to all their patients' records.

Why would you not just send them the information if you trust that it is actually from your GP practice? Data on BMI/weight can be used to identify groups of patients who are at increased risk from certain conditions, so it might be used to invite you to screening or other health related benefits for you. It's normal for GPs to hold this sort of information for their patients.

Nope, no such text here. I second PP suggestion to call the practice and check, just in case it is a scam.

That does sound odd. I’d be amazed if they are just speculatively adding height /weigh to all patient records - a typical practice has 10,000 patients. I’d also give them a call to check it’s not a scam and, if it’s not, to ask why.

Do you have any pre existing health conditions? Diabetes etc? This may make you a higher risk, and if you're overweight that increases the risk. I'm only guessing though...

Have you reached an age associated with an illness made worse by BMI or something? They could be seeing of you need tests of some sort.

Even if it is a scam I can't see the issue with giving my height and weight.

I'm just intrigued I suppose!

I'm not diabetic. I'm a couple of kilos into the 'overweight' category according to BMI and generally flit between this and the healthy weight category.

Emergency powers given to Doctors. If you have a BMi which is too high they’ll issue a DNR order on your behalf

I'm pretty sure they can't do that!

@INeedNewShoes protect the NHS innit

They cannot issue a DNR based on your BMI, FFS
Get a grip

Probably a direct order from Ms Sturgeon

I know you're having a laugh but there are people on MN who might believe what you're saying

I had the same text yesterday, not a scam, I’ve had other recent messages from the same number eg about the practise pharmacy only doing deliveries not open to visit. I’d forgotten to reply. DH is at the same one but I don’t know if he got one.

I don’t know what it’s for but I’ve got an appointment on Monday so I’ll.

My measurements are on file since I registered a year ago and haven’t changed much so not sure what it’s for. Also not on hormonal contraception or anything.

Glad it wasn’t just me OP!

Some surgeries are a bit quiet so updating their records. Perfectly normal. I work in a surgery.