BMI may do more harm than good, study warns
BMI overlooks key health factors, study finds.
Why it matters
- BMI is widely used but has significant limitations.
- It influences medical decisions and can reinforce stereotypes.
By the numbers
- Two-thirds of Canadians are considered overweight or obese based on BMI.
The big picture
- BMI doesn’t distinguish between muscle and fat.
- It overlooks factors like age, sex, and race.
What they're saying
- Some argue BMI is still useful for most people.
- Others highlight its known limitations and problematic history.
Caveats
- BMI was originally a statistical tool, not a health measure.
- Authors advocate for rejecting BMI or using it with caution.
What’s next
- Possible paths include using more nuanced measures or rejecting BMI altogether.