A note for people with BMI 40+

[Iremembertheelderlykoreanlady]

I'm sure you have all thought of this already , but in terms of the vaccine, it's worth making sure your GP has a record of your current BMI.

I haven't been weighed at surgery for years, before depression, anxiety and an eating disorder got the better of me. So my BMI is recorded by them as far lower than it is, and according to their records I wouldn't qualify for the vaccine.

I never gave it much though as I thought I would come in group 6 due to asthma but that is no longer the case.

I phoned and booked an appointment for next week to have my BMI taken (that was an embarrassing conversation to have with the receptionist, but needs must)

Thought it mite be worth a reminder

I will message my doctor about bmi too, but as part of a bigger concern.

I could do with a supportive thread for those of us with BMI over 40. i know as previpus posters have said that its complex and eating disorder related . But havent been able to avcess help from gp other than diets which I know make it worse in the long run!!!

It is suhc a hard place to be in. And the frustration and shame just fuel the cycle.

@MrsMigginsMate

And before anyone piles on, I'm currently undergoing eating disorder treatment where they make you agree not to diet so losing it and getting further away from 40 isn't an option in the short term, I'm not supposed to count calories or measure portions. Staying even is the more likely. sad

Well done on accessing treatment for your ED.

I have suffered from BED for most of my life and my BMI has been anywhere between 23 and 48.5 - mostly above 40. Just lately I have started focussing on my ED rather than my weight. My weight has come down a bit as a consequence of not bingeing and my BMI has dipped just under 40. I will still get the vaccine early, though, because the last BMI my GP has recorded was over 40, and in any case I have diabetes.

I just want to flag up to anyone and everyone that if you are even in this conversation because your own BMI is or has been over 40, it is worth considering whether you suffer from BED. You may not - not all obese people do, and some BED sufferers are normal weight. But if you do, then trying to lose weight is counterproductive, hard as that can be to accept.

www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/types/binge-eating-disorder

Also check out my thread about Binge Eating Disorder in Ask Me Anything.

Thanks @PuzzledObserver. It sounds like you're doing really well, and it's great that you will still be offered the vaccine early. x

Great advice, thank you.

I assumed I was already “on the record” as I have over the last couple of years been invited for a flu jab but this year said they didn’t know why I was there but that it’s not weight :/

BMI over 40 isn't a risk factor for flu though, only if it seriously impacts your breathing. Whereas it is a risk factor covid.

They were Included in the “anyone who gets a flu jab” list of vulnerabilities though and I understand it will be the same for the Covid vax

I dont think its the same for covid vax. I get flu jab for asthma (combination inhaler high dose) but that isn't on the list for cv jab this time.