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Body mass index (BMI) is probably one of the most divisive health markers ever.
Why? Because it doesn’t take into account our body composition. It only uses our height and weight in its calculation. Meaning, it will identify a muscular athlete and a sedentary non-muscular office worker who are of the same height and weight as having the same BMI number.
And you don’t need to be a medical professional to know, the two physiques would be completely.
As a body composition measurement tool, it’s not the best. We can use other tools such as DEXA scans or Bod Pods.
However, BMI is still a valid screening tool used in conjunction with other measurements such as waist to hip ratio and blood work to assess our physical health.
The problem arises, is when people use BMI as the only health indicator. That’s what gives BMI, such a bad rap.
I definitely don’t think it’s a great tool considering its development was based on a very narrow population, however the medical profession have been able to use it as an indicator of risk. And the more tools we have to use to build a better picture of our health, the better.
Good medical professionals understand the limitations of BMI, and use it as one tool to help them assess the health of their patients.
So personally, I wouldn’t disregard it. I use it, in combination with lifestyle factors and my mental health to help me, keep an eye on my own overall health.