Why you Should Stop Concentrating Only on BMI

There are a number of measures that are used to identify a number of conditions and to gauge a person's health. It can be both mental and physical health. At one point of time, a simple blood pressure, weight, and IQ were enough, but as medicine and the understanding of the body progressed, more and more scales were developed. BMI (Body mass index) was one such scale and is still in popular use today. It is combination of a person's height and weight. The simple formula to calculate BMI is weight in pounds divided by the square of height in inches, this value, multiplied by 703 will give you a number and that is your BMI score.

While it seems simple enough to calculate, just a glance at the score can put you within healthy, over weight and obese categories immediately. Since just about anyone can do it, most people have taken it on to themselves to maintain a good score.

Is it absolute?

Short answer, NO. While it was originally used by doctors and other medical staff as a base to start on, the BMI alone reveals too little to actually gauge anything. The BMI is one of those things that when taken out of a purely medical perspective and used by those who do not really know how to use it, can make things seem out of proportion.

Why not?

BMI can, to an extent, measure the amount of body fat that is present in a person's system. The magic numbers are 18.5 and 24.9. If you are within this range, you are both healthy as well have the right amount of muscle and fat. Anything above 30 is way overweight. The issue here is that the BMI can't really measure fat or muscle. It only takes the overall weight into consideration. It is possible to be within healthy range of the BMI and have too little fat and vice versa. The fat that is immediately seen and recognized is under the skin, but the more dangerous fat is one that is within muscle and organs.

Relatively thin people, those within range of the BMI, as well as fat people have all been found to have fat in their organs. Findings like these have put the BMI count's credibility seriously questionable. The BMI is still in use today simply because it is simple to measure at an appointment with the doctor.

While it is true that the BMI is a highly valued scale of health, it does more good to a doctor than you. Do use it when you are starting a diet and a workout regime, but keep in mind that it is not the only thing that matters. To learn about the BMI, walk into one of our Phoenix Family Clinics to receive information, advice, and ways in which you can use not only your BMI, but also other methods to maintain a healthy lifestyle and with it, a body that works for you.

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