BMI....What a lie!

2»

Replies

  • Awkward30
    Awkward30 Posts: 1,927 Member
    BMI was invented in the middle 1800's for use in social statistics. It was never meant to be a diagnostic tool for doctors or for diagnosing obesity.

    Obesity is defined by BMI. This is a semantic argument. I agree that the common usage now was not the original intent, but on a population basis, those with a higher BMI have higher risks and as long as that is true, why not try to lower your weight as much as you safely can to avoid being in a higher risk pool.
  • wildboar1
    wildboar1 Posts: 88
    BMI was invented in the middle 1800's for use in social statistics. It was never meant to be a diagnostic tool for doctors or for diagnosing obesity.

    Obesity is defined by BMI. This is a semantic argument. I agree that the common usage now was not the original intent, but on a population basis, those with a higher BMI have higher risks and as long as that is true, why not try to lower your weight as much as you safely can to avoid being in a higher risk pool.

    Bodyfat % is a much more accurate way of measuring obesity. BMI is vague and flawed.

    Arnold at his peak competition weight at 6% BF was morbidly obese according to his BMI. That alone signifies it's inherent flaws.
  • keiraev
    keiraev Posts: 695 Member
    BMI is just a guide.

    According to the BMI scale my husband is overweight, but he genuinely starts to look too thin once he goes under 175lb as he has a large and muscular frame.

    I think if u are well built u need to aim towards the higher end of it, and if you are slight then aim towards the lower end. It definitely doesn't take into account a bodybuilder with 200lb of muscle for example which is why it's inaccurate in a lot of cases.

Categories