Do you know your BMI? Does it really matter?
You may already know that BMI stands for Body Mass Index, and us doctors love using it to decide if your weight is "normal". But, you might be surprised to find that it isn't always accurate.
You may think it is a complicated equation taking into account several factors. But, all you need is your height and weight.
Reference: The Surgeon General's Call To Action To Prevent and DecreaseOverweight and Obesity.
But, what about muscle mass, gender, race, and age?
We all agree that these are factors when deciding if someone is a normal weight.
Example: This man's estimated BMI is 30.
But, this man's estimated BMI is also 30.
So, where did BMI come from anyway?
Mathematician, Jacques Quetelet, came up with this simple equation in the 1830s during a time when we didn't have computers or even calculators. This might explain why the equation is so simple.
BMI is often used in medical studies to help categorize and control for differences in body composition. But, doctors often use it to "screen" for obesity now. Just remember that it isn't always an accurate measure of your body composition.
If it isn't always accurate, what else can we use?
Body fat composition analysis
Risk factors or weight related complications
pillarMD plan:
Find your BMI above, if your BMI is greater than 25:
Measure your waist circumference
Measure your body fat percentage
Discuss other risk factors with your doctor or pillarMD physician
Track your BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage over time to assess your progress.
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