What is BMI?

BMI or Body Mass Index is the tool used to screen for weight categories that might exhibit health issues. The tool itself uses a simple mathematical equation of current weight (kg) divided by square of height.

It is generally believed that the higher a person’s BMI, the higher the risk of lifestyle related diseases.

A BMI number below 18.5 is said to be underweight. 18.5 – 24.9 is said to be normal. 25-29.9 is said to be overweight and over 30 is considered obese.

But is this even true? Is it all that straightforward? Is BMI an accurate tool to begin with?

Here is my opinion on BMI.

BMI is neither a fair indicator nor an accurate tool.

The history of the tool itself makes this conclusion an obvious one.

It was designed by a mathematician, based solely on European people with the purpose of testing a population not an individual.

Lots of factors that make us unique aren’t considered in BMI calculation. Muscle tone is one. The average Nigerian woman is not genetically built the same way as a typical European woman. We tend to have a larger frame size, higher muscle composition and favorable fat distribution.

What Does It All Mean?

1) Be your own advocate. Most healthcare professionals understand that it takes more that a quick calculation to determine health. That said, watch for healthcare providers that try to dismiss your health concerns as simply a “weight” issue based on BMI. Seek second and third opinion.

2) Don’t rely solely on BMI as an indicator of health. Two people at the same BMI can have astonishingly different health outcomes based on where fat is stored. Excess fat around the belly can indicate health issues while extra fat around the hips is just cosmetic in most cases.

3) Use other alternatives and tests to get a complete picture. BMI is used because it is quick, convenient and easy to use. To get a complete picture, have your doctor perform other tests if they are available to you. These tests can include; blood test, skinfold test, BIA (Bio-eletrical Impedance Analysis), waist-to-hip ratio.

Don’t risk your mental and physical health in pursuit of being in a certain BMI category.

I talked about BMI and my personal categorization as overweight in this post here click image below.  ‘

As always, if you have any question, do not hesistate to get in touch.