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Reviews: Michael L. Dansinger, Athina Tatsioni, John B. Wong, Mei Chung, and Ethan M. Balk Meta-analysis: The Effect of Dietary Counseling for Weight Loss Ann Intern Med 2007; 147: 41-50 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

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Why reporting change in BMI?

Salomon Banarer   (26 July 2007)

Why reporting change in BMI? 26 July 2007
Salomon Banarer, MD Dallas Diabetes and Endocrine Center of Dallas Send rapid response to journal: Re: Why reporting change in BMI? salomonbanarer{at}dallasdiabetes.com Salomon Banarer	In their meta-analysis Dansinger et al report on the change in BMI achieved by dietary counseling. I am still trying to find a reasonable explanation as to why the authors chose this endpoint rather than absolute weight loss or percentage of excess weight loss. I adults, the height is expected to be constant. In fact, in many studies the height is only measured at the initial visit so by definition will be constant. If studies measure the height at every visit this will only introduce an error based on itraindividual variability. I do not question the value of BMI measurement for classification of nutritional status and for risk assessment but why report BMI changes when the title of the meta-analysis is effect in WEIGHT loss? As a clinician I understood that the article was going to tell my if dietary counseling works? and if so how much WEIGHT loss should I expect? The article did not provide a clear answer. Conflict of Interest: None declared