BMI Calculators: Worth all the Hype?

How to measure health has always been an issue. From height and weight charts to body fat percentages, the world has evolved through several methods of determining the obesity levels of its occupants. Body Mass Index first came on the scene in the 1980s and gained popularity in the late 1990’s when the government gained attention by lowering what was considered a “healthy” BMI.BMI calculators apply a mathematical formula to a person’s weight and height to determine their body composition. BMI calculators like this one from the National Institute of Health will take your height and weight to compute your BMI.
 
So, what is a healthy BMI?

• Underweight = <18.5
• Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
• Overweight = 25-29.9
• Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

While it is said that BMI calculators are more reliable that old height and weight charts, BMI still doesn’t account for what percentage of the body is made up of muscle or fat. Because the BMI calculators only take height and weight into consideration, a sedentary man with a body fat percentage of 25% who is 6 feet tall and weighs 225 pounds will have the same BMI as an athletic man who weighs the same amount.

Because of the shortcomings of the BMI calculators, it is suggested that you and your doctor use BMI as only one indicator of your health and fitness levels. Things like body fat percentage and waist to hip ratios are other good indicators of your level of fitness and health risks.