BMI or Body Mass Index
Allison writes:
My BMI is 21 right now and I want to get it down to 19.
According to the BMI charts, Allison is within the "normal" Body Mass Index for her height and weight. The problem with BMI is that it is based solely on weight and height. It does not factor in age, muscle mass or body fat, and muscle weighs 4 times as much as fat. Probably the worst element is that it does not even make a differentiation between sexes. For some reason this method (considered a fad by many) has been accepted by healthcare professionals, probably due to the fact that it is easier to read than the more critical height weight charts used in the past.
Using this method, more than 50 percent of the American population is obese and at risk of obesity related illnesses. Using the BMI method most professional basket ball players (who we think of as being tall and lean) are considered unhealthy and at risk.
For example when Charles Barkley was in his prime he was 6'6 and 252lbs which would put him at a BMI of 29.1 putting him in the overweight category and just barely under the obese rating of 30. At 6'2" and 257lbs Arnold Schwarzenegger would have been considered obese, with a BMI of 33, when he was crowned Mr. Olympia and considered in peak condition. George Clooney would be considered borderline obese and Brad Pitt would be considered overweight. The list of professional athletes that could be considered overweight or obese using the BMI standard is staggering.
More on this subject to come…
posted by Neel @ 1:18 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
BMI is a starting point, a standard, a reference point, like the SAT's, grades, etc.
The problem is, it, like grades is what a person may use to judge themselves. If a BMI is high, I worry because of its connection with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure etc. If it's to meet a 'personal' standard that is really 'society's' standard, it is much harder to lose the extra weight in guilt. (This is not aimed at Allison. I don't kow her well enough to make that assumption.)
Whoops, I didnt reply to this one, bad me *Spank!*
Allison, that is only a partial answer be prepared for a lot more good info to come. And you are very welcome.
Natahsa, I agree with you and if you notice I have posted the piece on calories (the first part ot it at least.)
Mermaid, Once again I thank you for joining the conversation you can bring great knowledge, and experience. However I would have to say in my opinion BMIs and SATs are two worlds apart. Where SATs try really pinpoint where a student accells, BMI is a sloppy blanket thrown over the data needed.
I am quite confident that we will see the medical profession moving away from using BMI.
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