Body mass index, or BMI, is intended to provide a measure of a person’s health by comparing their weight to their height. It is less accurate, though much cheaper and easier, than using a DXA machine. Having too much body fat is associated with a number of diseases, including type-2 diabetes and hypertension. Having too little fat is also problematic, as it can compromise immune function or lead to osteoporosis. BMI has its flaws. It overestimates body fat among body builders and other athletes, and underestimates it among those who are elderly or have a physical disability. A better way to predict health risks is to measure waist circumference, as body fat carried around the abdomen has been linked to various diseases.
Key Takeaways:
- BMI can overestimate body fat for body builders and underestimate it for the elderly.
- Being overweight increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, some cancers, hypertension, and other diseases.
- Waist circumference is a better measure, as high sizes (102+ cm for men, 88+ cm for women) are associated with substantially increased health risks.
“Increased abdominal obesity is related to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.”
Read more: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/body-mass-index-bmi
