BMI, Race and other Factors

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
BMI, Race and other Factors
3
Tue, 07-05-2005 - 9:37am

We've talked about this a lot with how little BMI means but finally mainstream journalism has picked up on it.






iVillage Member
Registered: 09-02-2004
Tue, 07-05-2005 - 11:45am

I find this highly disturbing, from http://www.afic.org/FFA%20Issue%2021%20Healthy%20Weight%20Advice.htm

BMI

The global standard for classification of body weight as normal, underweight, overweight or obese is Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared. Until recently, the same classification standards have been used in all parts of the world, to assess and categorise body weight: A BMI of 18.5 to 25 is traditionally classified as normal, 25 to 30 as overweight and is associated with increased risk of developing weight-related disorders, and above 30 is classified as obese and at high risk of developing weight-related illness.

In recent years, experts, have observed that weight-related disorders are more common in some Asians ethnic groups at BMI levels above 23. An expert group of the WHO has therefore recommended a lower BMI scale for Asians: 18.5-23 for increasing but relatively low risk of developing weight- related ill-health; 23-27.5 for increased risk; and 27.5 or more signals high risk. (2)

A disadvantage of the BMI scale however, is that it may overestimate body fat in athletes and others, such as Pacific Island ethnic groups, who have a muscular build. BMI may also underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass. Hence, experts recommend the use of BMI combined with waist circumference or/and waist-to-hip ratio for a more accurate assessment (3).





Lilypie First Birthday tickers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Tue, 07-05-2005 - 11:53am

That's a pet peeve of mine, too.






iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2003
Tue, 07-05-2005 - 12:01pm
I never really understood the whole BMI thing anyway. It just doesn't seem that accurate. I had my body composition done at the gym, which told me how much fat I had, and how much lean muscle I had. I think I'll go by that instead.