Can Body Mass Index Be Relied Upon For Measuring Obesity Levels?

[Arthur Little]

..... IS the question.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-43895508 ...

[Doc Alan]

The answer, as the article in the link provided by Arthur says, is " yes, in many cases ". It also points out that it doesn’t actually measure fat. There are exceptions such as body builders, boxers, rugby players, and pregnant women. People with a " healthy " BMI may have other risk factors - like smoking, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure. Medical studies do often use BMI as a simple measure - involving height and weight - when assessing worldwide obesity rates and the health problems which may result.
Waist circumference is helpful as a measure of fat which could increase risk of ill health.


Other factors may affect weight - such as the type of " gut microbes " ( bugs ) that live in huge numbers in the gut ; genetics ( over 100 genes ); what times we eat ( best for most food before 7 pm ) ; a tendency to under-estimate how much we are eating ; and hormones controlling appetites. However, adopting a healthier diet and exercise have been ( and remain ) the mainstay of treatment to improve health.


Obesity is a worldwide problem , affecting 600 million adults, perhaps 1/5 in the next few years. It may cost the UK NHS over £6 billion/ year. The recently introduced UK tax on " sugary soft drinks " is one attempt to curb obesity and bring in revenue ( not without controversy ). Men are more likely to be overweight or obese than women, but they may find it harder to attain a healthy body weight, and are less likely to join weight-loss programmes.



Obesity and overweight have been increasing over the past three decades in ASEAN ( Association of South-East Asian Nations ) countries, including the Philippines. There are differences to the UK. It affects those on higher incomes more than those on lower incomes ; women more than men ; and lower BMI levels are associated with a higher risk of health problems.

See also this link.