A Discussion of the Body Mass Index (BMI)- Is It Outdated?
BMI measurement now questioned
The body mass index (BMI) is a number calculated from looking at an individual’s weight and height. It can be used for children, teenagers and adults.
The BMI has been used for many years to indicate whether or not a person has the right amount of fat on their body, too much or not enough. It has been used to screen for categories that may potentially cause health problems later on such as heart disease or cancer.
Physicians have been using the body mass index (BMI) for many years. However as of late this has been called into question.
There are elements that the BMI does not address. Let us first consider how the BMI works for the betterment of health and the prevention of obesity.
The Body Mass Index formula takes the height and weight measurements of a patient and with those in mind a BMI number is generated. The number is then entered onto a special chart. Based on the information the chart provides, it can be determined whether the person is an average weight or if they are underweight, overweight or obese.
For a teenager the BMI is a little more complicated than to figure out for adults on account of puberty. The Body Mass Index charts for teenagers make use of percentile lines that are used to compare their measurements on the chart to a larger group of teenagers of the same gender and approximate age. The same chart is not used for males and females who are under the age of 20 years.
Is the BMI Outdated and Misleading?
While the BMI may have its purpose, the reality is that it does not tell the entire story about weight and fat. The medical community is beginning to have its share of doubts about this instrument’s effectiveness. Up until recently it has been the most popular and widely used statistical tool for classifying whether a person’s body weight is in the healthy or unhealthy range.
For an adult a Body Mass Index that falls between 18 and 25 is ideal. If it is higher than 25 then the person is deemed as overweight, while above 30 on the BMI points to obesity.
The BMI is really only meant to be used as a guideline and not an absolute indicator of good or bad health. It is only one measure after all as other elements figure into the equation as well. These include such things as blood pressure, cholesterol and resting heart rate.
The BMI does not address some of the most significant things which are why it can be misleading in some instances. For example, consider the fact that muscle weighs more than fat. According to the BMI a body builder would be defined as obese. We all know however that a body builder is not obese. Why then does the BMI show such?
The reason is because the BMI has no way to distinguish fat from muscle and therefore does not show the difference between a body that contain a great deal of muscle from a body that contains a high percentage of fat!Body builders are generally heavy in relation to their height but their weight can be attributed to the high concentration of muscle.
Everyone should consider all aspects of their health and their weight, and not just the one that the BMI points to, when planning an overall health program.
Becca Scott
Staff Witer
Smoking Liberation News
Filed Under: Weight Loss
