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Why BMI is Trash


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BMI is an easy and simple way to measure how much body fat a person has. It is inherently flawed and should not have a place in modern health & fitness.


What is BMI?


It is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared.


BMI was first introduced in the 19th century by a mathematician as a formula to easily determine the obesity level of the general public. He designed it to determine what the ‘average’ man was, and his sample size only included white men. It was supposed to be used as a generalizing tool not for individualized use. The formula itself assumes the person has low muscle mass and high relative fat mass. Not everyone has that makeup.


What is it currently used for?


  • In determining public health policies

  • As a risk factor measure for the development of several health issues

  • Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure

  • The higher your BMI the greater the chances you have health issues


Why it isn't an appropriate measure:

  • It doesn't not take fat free mass into account (muscles and bone)

    • Those with more muscle mass or stronger bones will be considered ‘obese’ or ‘overweight’

  • Does not take age, sex, or ethnicity into account

    • Women tend to store more fat on the hips and lower stomach

  • It ignores waist size

    • Abdominal fat is an indicator for the development of other health issues

    • Fat distribution has a much stronger correlation to health issues than the presence of overall fat.



BMI is used as an absolute when, if used, it should only be considered a piece of the puzzle.







 
 
 

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