Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used screening tool to assess for excess weight and obesity. It’s calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. While BMI is commonly used, it’s important to understand its limitations and history.
Originally developed by a European mathematician in the 19th century as a way of discovering the socially ideal human using white men as the standard, it wasn’t intended for medical assessments. Although it’s a simple tool for screening individuals, it has some flaws. For instance, it uses a narrow standard of white men for comparison and doesn’t account for muscle mass.
It’s crucial to recognize that BMI is just one screening measure, and more information is required to understand your weight and metabolic health. Different cut-offs are suggested for various ethnicities, and waist circumference is also important to measure during physical exams since having excess fat storage in the abdomen is associated with an increased risk of metabolic disease.
Another useful tool to consider is a body composition analysis scale. This scale gives a breakdown of lean body mass, water mass, and fat mass, allowing for a more holistic view of a person’s body composition.
At Manhattan Medical Weight Loss, we understand the importance of considering your holistic health and avoiding bias that may exist with any single metric. We offer a comprehensive approach to weight loss and metabolic health to ensure you receive the best treatment options.
Author
Dr. Suneye Koohsari is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and is committed to helping patients lose weight and improve their health by empowering them with education. She practices in midtown NYC at her private practice Manhattan Medical Weight Loss.