BMI number could be misleading for overall health

For decades, the Body Mass Index chart has been used to measure fat levels and relies solely on height and weight.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, BMI is a surrogate measure of body fat because it
measures excess weight rather than excess fat.

A May issue of Newsweek reports that there is mounting evidence that states the BMI number is not a sole determining factor of overall health.

ABC-7 talked with the director of Nutrition Services at University Medical Center, Philip Arnold, who said he agrees with that argument.

He said one’s BMI is only a “general indicator.”

“Too many people put all the emphasis on that one number,” Arnold said.

There’s more to your health than just your BMI and weight and other factors should be taken into consideration.

Arnold said factors include cholesterol and glucose levels and health history.

“You have to put all the parts to the equation together.”

The CDC uses a standard chart for BMI that says a healthy BMI for adults is between 18.5 and 24.9, 30 and above is considered obese.

Arnold doesn’t necessarily agree with the numbers because someone who is much taller can have a BMI number of more than 30 and not be obese.

“People have to know how to interpret that number correctly,” Arnold said.

To keep up with your health, Arnold said preventative measures are needed, like noting changes in one’s body.

“Write a list before you go to a doctor’s appointment.”

Letting your doctor know about the changes in your body or abnormalities could prompt them to do further testing.