Why do we need bmi

BMI, as a single measure, would not be expected to identify cardiovascular health or illness; the same is true for cholesterol, blood sugar, or blood pressure as a single measure. For example, the study mentioned above did not consider conditions that might also be relevant to an individual with an elevated BMI, such as liver disease or arthritis.

In addition, BMI may be more useful at predicting future rather than current health. Those who are healthy and overweight or obese are more likely to develop diabetes or other negative health consequences over time, according to studies such as this one and this one.

The current BMI definitions of overweight or obesity were based largely on white populations. Yet body composition, including percent body fat or amount of muscle mass, can vary by race and ethnic group. So, BMI may help predict health status among people who are white, but may be less accurate for people in other racial and ethnic groups. To correctly measure your waist, stand and place a tape measure around your middle, just above your hipbones. Measure your waist just after you breathe out.

The table Risks of Obesity-Associated Diseases by BMI and Waist Circumference provides you with an idea of whether your BMI combined with your waist circumference increases your risk for developing obesity-associated diseases or conditions.

Along with being overweight or obese, the following conditions will put you at greater risk for heart disease and other conditions:. Even a small weight loss between 5 and 10 percent of your current weight will help lower your risk of developing diseases associated with obesity. This is because the composition of your body is changing you're gaining muscle, losing fat.

Knowing your BMI can help your healthcare team better understand what care options are available to you, especially if your BMI is greater than 30 and you want to improve your health.

For example, if you are interested in taking weight-loss aiding medicines or trying a medically supervised meal-replacement program, you must have a BMI greater than It's meant to guide their care where it needs to go. Schedule an appointment. Contact Medical Records. Attend a class or event. Your doctor might set you up with a registered dietitian, who can help you get your weight back on track and reduce your risk of developing health problems.

So as a woman, even if your body mass index is in the normal range, you could still have a high percentage of body fat. The test also doesn't account for genetic factors, bone density or your activity level, or take into consideration the fact that thinness doesn't necessarily equal healthiness.

Given the frequent unreliability of BMI tests, you may want to use other tools to assess your wellness and body fat levels. Important signs of wellness include positive energy levels, normal digestion, eating a variety of nutritious foods each day and not feeling famished or overly "stuffed" throughout the day.