For years doctors have used the body mass index (BMI) to categorize people as overweight and obese. BMI is a ratio between height and weight. A new study is saying that the already very high obesity rates may be underestimated due to categorizing people by BMI. Researchers say that BMI is a simplistic measure and it does not take into account physical fitness and overall health, especially among older women. According to BMI, body builders would be classified as obese and a woman with very little muscle and mostly body fat could still have a normal BMI. Based on the findings from the study, researchers say the threshold for obesity should be lowered from 30 to 24 for women and to 28 for men. Braverman, head of the study, says there was a large discrepancy between BMI and body fat of the participants in the study. Because of these differences he believes the guidelines should be revisited. “People aren’t being diagnosed [as obese], so they’re not being told about their risk of disease or being given instruction on how to improve their health.”
I think it is important to find a new system in measuring wether someone is obese or overweight so people can receive the proper diagnosis. A new system should include ways of measuring ones overall and physical health along with their weight and height. Many of the leading causes of death are related to obesity so it is a social problem in America. Proper diagnosis can lead one to a timely change in lifestyle promoting good health.
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