BMI Isn’t Enough to Determine Healthiness
Posted by bestRev on 06/14/09 in Health
One of the most common ways for people to measure their weight is to calculate their body mass index or BMI. This is a great way to determine whether or not you are overweight. However, it is important to know that BMI alone may not tell you if your weight is at a level that should concern you in regards to your health.
There are two problems with using BMI alone to make this determination:
- BMI measures body mass but doesn’t distinguish between fat mass and lean mass. People who have a higher fat mass may be at greater risk of certain diseases like diabetes which might not get caught using BMI alone.
- BMI doesn’t tell you anything about where fat is on the body. Fat in some places of the body can be more of a health concern than others.
BMI remains an important tool for calculating issues related to weight. It shouldn’t be dismissed altogether. It can certainly be used to assist you in tracking and meeting your weight loss goals. It’s just important to realize that you’ll also want to work with a doctor to determine whether your weight is of concern in regards to your health.
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Zeke | Jul 14, 2009 | Reply
BMI is a good start point. If your BMI is way high, it’s not because of muscle. Seriously, it’s just not. But once you get started on a serious weight loss regime and get closer to your goal BMI the muscle to fat ratio starts to become more important.
Kourtney | Jul 14, 2009 | Reply
Wait, I’m confused. I thought body mass index was the best way to determine whether or not you’re in a healthy weight range? Since when is it not a reliable indication of healthy weight?
John | Jul 14, 2009 | Reply
I think the only way you can maintain a healthy weight is to eat a moderate diet and be happy with yourself. If you can’t be satisfied with your personal success, you won’t be satisfied at all.
Amelie | Jul 14, 2009 | Reply
I don’t understand what the fascination with diets and weight is. As long as you’re maintaining a constant weight, not driving yourself crazy with denial and exercising regularly, you’re doing fine!
Jenna Lever | Jul 14, 2009 | Reply
Supposedly you should carefully monitor the amount of waist fat you have because it can determine your risk for heart disease and diabetes, or it’s closely linked to it, or something along those lines!