For many years, the Body Mass Index (BMI), a simple calculation using only your weight and height, has been the main way to measure body health in medicine. The BMI number affects many things, from fitness apps to important decisions about surgeries and pain treatment. However new data from Statistics Canada shows that two-thirds of Canadians are considered overweight or obese. This news led to researchers asking the public and leaders to change how we measure and define health. The reliability of BMI has been questioned for years, and a new study has pinpointed what factors make it an unreliable scale of health. Why Is BMI An Unreliable Scale? A new study led by the University of Waterloo argues that the BMI is used too much and actually does more harm than good. Dr. Aly Bailey, the study's lead author, says the BMI "tells only a fraction of the story" about a person’s health. Cannot Differentiate Between Fat & Muscles The BMI cannot tell the difference between muscle and fat. This is a major issue because muscle tissue weighs more than fat. As a result, a person who is very muscular, like a trained athlete, can easily be labeled as "overweight" or "obese" by the BMI, even though they are in excellent physical health. Doesn't Consider Where Fat Is Located The calculation does not consider where fat is located on the body. Doctors know that fat stored around the waist (visceral fat) often poses a higher health risk than fat stored elsewhere, but the BMI cannot show this difference. It Ignores Key Biological Factors The formula also completely ignores other important biological and personal factors, such as a person's age, their sex, and their racial or ethnic background. This means two different people can have the exact same BMI number but actually have very different health profiles and risks. The BMI was created in the 19th century just to find the "average man" for statistical reasons, not for health. Dr. Bailey notes that the BMI's history is problematic. It quickly became a so-called measure of health but was originally used to support racist ideas and discrimination against larger bodies. How Does BMI Effect Our Health? The study gives a serious warning that the ongoing use of the BMI has damaging, real-world consequences for patients. Because the BMI is used as a health screening tool, people with higher numbers can face serious problems. In some cases, a high BMI number can actually block a person's access to necessary medical care. For example, a patient might be told they must lose weight before they can get approval for a vital surgery. It also promotes unfair and damaging beliefs about what a "normal" or healthy body size should look like. This can lead to body dissatisfaction and poor mental health. Worst of all, relying on the BMI increases stigma—or negative judgments and stereotypes in healthcare settings. This is especially true for people of color, people living with disabilities, older adults, and anyone who has a larger body size. What is A Better Way To Measure Health? The researchers suggest several ways to move forward, following calls from health activists: Use BMI, but also be honest about its flaws, the research suggests that we must only use the BMI if doctors clearly acknowledge its unscientific history.Switch to body size measures that are more accurate or use indicators that look at actual health outcomes (like blood pressure or cholesterol).The study authors strongly believe the best option is to stop using the BMI entirely.
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