EcoVida Health Article

2009-03-28

Is the BMI (Body Mass Index) Really That Accurate?

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. The British Columbia (Canada) Health Guide states that “a healthy BMI for an adult is between 19 and 25”. Apparently, disease risk increases, both above and below this BMI range. A person is said to be obese when his or her BMI is 30 or higher.

If you are feeling discouraged because your BMI is not in the accurate range, do not fret. There are additional things that have to be taken into consideration here! Some examples include bone density, malnourishment, muscle mass, and any other factors that affect your weight and height (other than genetics).

As a good example of its inaccuracies, I have looked for a chart deciphering where my number of 22.5 leaves me. This chart was recovered on the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/) from the Department of Health and Human Services website:

BMI Categories:
Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

Please see the NHLBI Website for more information and a BMI calculator.

I am a young woman of 20 years old, I weigh 135 pounds and stand and 5’5”. I have an athletic to slim build. When I was working out five times a week, engaging in weight-lifting and cardio activity about 7 months ago, I was at a weight of 140-143…this gave me a BMI of 23.8.

So even though my number was teetering closer to “overweight”, my immune system was elevated, I had more energy, and was eating healthier.

To also venture in the other direction, I have female friends of mine who are about the same weight and height as I am, who smoke regularly, drink very socially, and don’t exercise very often, if at all. If calculated, their BMI’s would be about the same as mine, when I was in top shape! Thus, this BMI “chart” is not really a legitimate way of recognizing whether you are healthy or unhealthy, it is simply a guideline to how much you are supposed to weigh. And someone who might be in the proper BMI range, who is a smoker, drinker and couch potato is going to be much more prone to “disease” as they say, than someone who is slightly over or underweight. The numbers are too far and yet too close to decipher any type of health measure.

After reading this I hope we all look for other ways to measure our health. It is important to stay on top of your regular checkups with your doctor, get a fitness