In Spain, the so-called BMI (muscle mass index) is one of the moast popular methods too determine a series of healthy (or not) parameters related to weight. This is a number that is calculated based on weight in kilograms, in proportion to height of a person who has become obsolete.
Among other things, BMI does not “know” how to distinguish between what proportion of the resulting value is muscle mass and what proportion is lean periodsomething that has nothing to do with height, and which can vary depending on race and lifestyle.
What is the body mass index used for?
Body mass index is a figure that results from weight and height.
Until not long ago, BMI was the value used to know if we were in a normal weight range, comparing the kilos with our height. However, it has now been seen that this relationship actually has many variables as well not reliable in health matters.
The final figure offered by the body mass index must be under 25 so that the range is considered normal, what we call “healthy”. If the resulting number is between 25 and 29.9, experts speak of overweight. When it exceeds 30 it means we are obese.
BMI, therefore, should be kept low to reduce the possible risks of health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and some types of cancer.However, if the value is below 18.5, we may also have fertility problems, among others.
Because BMI is no longer a valid number
Athletes can have a very high BMI due to the density of muscle versus fat, despite being healthy.
More recent studies around the world have shown that BMI is no longer a valid measurement, due to its lack of precision. Although it is a speedy and easy formula to obtain, BMI cannot measure the percentage of body fat (fat tissue over total body mass).
This popular measure lacks the ability to explain differences in the amount and concentration of muscle and fat. A clear example of this is that many athletes achieve overweight BMI ranges despite having ideal athletic health.The reason is that muscle tissue is generally denser than fatand provides “false” warnings.
Same BMI,different risks of getting sick
Another reason why BMI is outdated is that it was created based on the European population It is not reliable in other demographic groups and races. even this measurement cannot establish what the real distribution of body fat is; You don’t know how much belongs to visceral fat, for example.
This means that people with the same BMI can have very different cardiovascular or diabetes risk profiles: It will all depend on your lifestyle, type of diet and how fat is distributed in your body.
If we have more fat in the central part, around our vital organs such as the heart or liver, we will have a greater risk of getting sick, even if our BMI index is the same as that of another person who concentrates their fat less “dangerous” places.
– What option methods can individuals use to assess their body composition more accurately than BMI?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Health Expert on the BMI Re-evaluation
Editor: Welcome to time.news! Today,we have an meaningful topic to discuss regarding the Body Mass index,or BMI. With us is Dr. Lucía González, a leading health expert and researcher specializing in body metrics and health standards. Thank you for joining us,Dr. González.
dr. González: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to shed light on this important issue.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The BMI has long been a go-to metric for assessing health based on weight and height. Though, it truly seems that it’s relevance is being re-evaluated. Could you explain why the current BMI model may be considered obsolete?
Dr.González: Absolutely. The BMI does have its limitations. While it’s a simple calculation—weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared—it does not differentiate between different types of body composition.For instance, it doesn’t consider how much of a person’s weight comes from muscle mass versus fat or lean tissue. This is crucial because muscle weighs more than fat, and two people can have the same BMI while having very different body compositions.
Editor: That’s a great point. So, how does this lack of differentiation affect individuals’ health assessments or perceptions of their health?
Dr. González: It can lead to significant misunderstandings. Such as, an athlete with a high muscle mass might be classified as overweight or obese according to BMI standards, even though they are very healthy. Conversely,individuals with a lower BMI might still have high body fat levels and be at risk for health problems. This oversimplified view can unfairly label people and may discourage them from seeking appropriate health solutions.
Editor: It sounds like a misclassification could have serious consequences. Are there alternative methods that can provide a more accurate assessment of an individual’s health?
Dr. González: yes, there are several alternatives. Body composition analysis methods, such as bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), provide insights into muscle versus fat percentages. Additionally, measurements such as waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference can give better indicators of health risks associated with fat distribution.
Editor: with so much emphasis on accuracy, do you think public health policies should shift away from using BMI as a primary metric?
Dr. González: I believe there should be a comprehensive reevaluation. While BMI can still be a useful screening tool in population studies, health professionals should consider it as part of a broader assessment regimen. Integrating more individualized measures will provide a clearer picture of health risks and overall well-being.
Editor: that makes a lot of sense. As awareness grows about the limitations of BMI, what steps can individuals take to better understand their own body metrics?
Dr. González: Individuals should consult with healthcare providers for a full assessment. They might also want to explore body composition testing if they have concerns about their body metrics. Keeping a holistic view, that includes physical activity levels, nutrition, and mental health, is key to understanding personal health.
Editor: Thank you,dr. González, for your insights today. It’s clear the conversation surrounding BMI needs to evolve, and your expertise helps illuminate the path forward.
Dr. González: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this topic, and I hope our conversation encourages others to think critically about health metrics.
Editor: Thank you to our audience for joining us. As always, stay informed and proactive about your health!
