Q: How is BMI interpreted in adults?

WHO BMI categories: Underweight <18.5, Normal 18.5–24.9, Overweight 25–29.9, Obesity Class I 30–34.9, Class II 35–39.9, Class III ≥40. Note that BMI has limitations — it does not distinguish fat from muscle mass, and thresholds may differ by ethnicity (e.g., Asian populations use lower obesity thresholds). Always interpret alongside waist circumference and clinical context.

Q: When should I screen for alcohol use disorder?

USPSTF recommends screening for unhealthy alcohol use in adults ≥18 using validated tools like AUDIT-C or AUDIT. AUDIT-C (3 questions) is preferred for initial screening; a positive screen (≥3 for women, ≥4 for men) warrants full AUDIT assessment. Brief counseling intervention is indicated for unhealthy use without AUD. Refer for formal AUD treatment when criteria are met.

Question 1

How do I interpret the PHQ-9 score?

Accepted Answer

PHQ-9 severity: 0–4 = minimal/none, 5–9 = mild, 10–14 = moderate, 15–19 = moderately severe, 20–27 = severe depression. A score ≥10 has 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity for major depressive disorder. Consider initiating or adjusting treatment at ≥10. Always assess the suicidality item (#9) independently regardless of total score.

Question 2

What ASCVD risk threshold warrants statin therapy?

Accepted Answer

Per ACC/AHA 2018 guidelines, high-intensity statin therapy is recommended for 10-year ASCVD risk ≥20% or established ASCVD. Moderate-intensity statins are recommended for 10-year risk 7.5–19.9% (with risk discussion). Risk-enhancing factors (LDL ≥160, CRP ≥2, coronary artery calcium) can support earlier initiation. For risk 5–7.5%, a risk discussion is warranted.

Question 3

What is a target HbA1c for most adults with type 2 diabetes?

Accepted Answer

ADA guidelines recommend an HbA1c target <7% for most non-pregnant adults with T2DM. A less stringent target of <8% is appropriate for older adults, those with limited life expectancy, advanced complications, or high hypoglycemia risk. More stringent targets (<6.5%) may be appropriate in younger patients with recent diagnosis, no CV disease, and low hypoglycemia risk.

Question 4

How is BMI interpreted in adults?

Accepted Answer

WHO BMI categories: Underweight <18.5, Normal 18.5–24.9, Overweight 25–29.9, Obesity Class I 30–34.9, Class II 35–39.9, Class III ≥40. Note that BMI has limitations — it does not distinguish fat from muscle mass, and thresholds may differ by ethnicity (e.g., Asian populations use lower obesity thresholds). Always interpret alongside waist circumference and clinical context.

Question 5

When should I screen for alcohol use disorder?

Accepted Answer

USPSTF recommends screening for unhealthy alcohol use in adults ≥18 using validated tools like AUDIT-C or AUDIT. AUDIT-C (3 questions) is preferred for initial screening; a positive screen (≥3 for women, ≥4 for men) warrants full AUDIT assessment. Brief counseling intervention is indicated for unhealthy use without AUD. Refer for formal AUD treatment when criteria are met.

Medical Calculators for Primary Care and Family Medicine

Curated Tools for Primary Care & Family Medicine (12)

BMI Calculator

ASCVD Risk Calculator

PHQ-9

GAD-7

eGFR Calculator

HbA1c Converter

AUDIT

Blood Pressure Calculator

Framingham Risk

LDL Calculator

Cholesterol Ratio

PHQ-2

Browse by Category

Frequently Asked Questions