Journal-based CME Course: Patient-Centered Approaches to Using BMI to Evaluate Gender-Affirming Surgery Eligibility

Activity ID

10909

Expires

June 1, 2026

Format Type

Journal-based

CME Credit

Fee

$30

CME Provider: AMA Journal of Ethics

Description of CME Course

Body mass index (BMI) cutoffs are routinely used to assess eligibility for gender-affirming surgeries (GAS), yet they are not empirically based. The transgender population is disproportionately affected by overweight and obesity due to clinical and psychosocial influences on body size. Strict BMI requirements for GAS are likely to cause harm by delaying care or denying patients the benefits of GAS. A patient-centered approach to assessing GAS eligibility with respect to BMI would utilize reliable predictors of surgical outcomes specific to each gender-affirming surgery, include measures of body composition and body fat distribution rather than BMI alone, center on the patient’s desired body size, and emphasize collaboration and support if the patient genuinely desires weight loss.

Disclaimers

1. This activity is accredited by the American Medical Association.
2. This activity is free to AMA members.

ABMS Member Board Approvals by Type

ABMS Lifelong Learning CME Activity

Allergy and Immunology

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Colon and Rectal Surgery

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Medical Genetics and Genomics

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Ophthalmology

Orthopaedic Surgery

Pathology

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Plastic Surgery

Preventive Medicine

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More Information

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NOTE: If a Member Board has not deemed this activity for MOC approval as an accredited CME activity, this activity may count toward an ABMS Member Board’s general CME requirement. Please refer directly to your Member Board’s MOC Part II Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment Program Requirements.

General Information on CME Activity

Educational Objectives

1. Explain a new or unfamiliar viewpoint on a topic of ethical or professional conduct
2. Evaluate the usefulness of this information for health care practice, teaching, or conduct
3. Decide whether and when to apply the new information to health care practice, teaching, or conduct

Keywords

Ethics, Guidelines, Patient Care, Surgery, LGBTQIA Medicine

Competencies

Medical Knowledge, Professionalism

CME Credit Type

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit

DOI

10.1001/amajethics.2023.398