Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most common (and simplest) way of measuring whether or not you are overweight…. but in recent years, researchers say that it’s not the most accurate way to measure how body weight impacts on health. For years, scientists have declared that BMI can’t distinguish between fat and muscle (which tends to be heavier) and can tip more toned individuals into an “overweight” or “obese” status, even if their fat levels are low.
BMI also doesn’t take into account different types of fat, each of which can have different metabolic effects on health. BMI cannot take into consideration, for example, where the body holds fat. Belly fat, which is known as visceral fat, is more harmful than fat that is simply sitting under the skin.
How to Calculate BMI
Your BMI is determined by a very simple calculation using your height and weight. The formula is
BMI = kg/ m2
– where kg is your weight in kilograms and m2 is your height in metres squared.
So Why BMI ?
BMI is the most common way to measure weight and evaluate obesity primarily mostly because it is an easy measurement for doctors to take during an office visit. Taking a person’s height and weight and plugging it into an equation produces a number provides doctors with an insight into whether their patients are at high, low or no risk when it comes to weight-related health problems.
However, using the BMI measure alone, is not a good prediction of health…. Professional Athletes in sports that require power and bulk – such as Football, Weighlifting and Boxing, would typically register in the Overweight or Obese BMI range – even though they are in peak physical condition. For example :
- Brisbane Broncos top points scorer so far this season – Jake Turpin and Most Tries Scored – Xavier Coates are both overweight according to their BMI – and Powerhouse Forward Payne Haas – would be considered Obese (117Kg, 194cm = a BMI of 31)
There are much better ways than BMI
to measure and monitor body fat
Medical Body Scanning methods such as CT Scans and MRI’s, and Fitness Body Composition Analysis Scanning methods like DEXA and BIA provide more useful and accurate readings on how likely a person’s weight will contribute to chronic health problems and also provide much better insights into their fitness level and overall health.
CT Scans and MRIs can provide a clearer glimpse at the body’s make-up by separating out fat from muscle, for example. But these are expensive and involved compared to stepping on a scale. Body Impedance Analysis (BIA) Body Scans like those we carry out with the Evolt 360 Body Scanner offer a very good compromise and provide a much more accurate measure of fitness level and health than BMI.