kg/m^2 = BMI (Best Movie Invented...No, I'm kidding)

As the school year approaches, more physicals will be issued; so arrives the topic of BMI.

Let’s say someone is 5’5”, 215lbs. By the BMI standard, this person is considered obese (BMI = 35.9). Let’s keep the same weight and change the height: 6’2”, 215lbs (BMI = 28.0) is considered to be overweight and on the cusp of obesity. (Whoa, hold up, Derek! Just wait one dag on minute! You mean to tell me that I can’t have that extra muffin in the morning?) Y’all, I never said that! I’m saying that BMI (Body Mass Index) is useful yet slightly misleading.

In these cases, we have two different heights with the same weight. Now, the 5’5”er is closer to the obesity range. Should that person get discouraged? No! The 6’2”er has a case that can apply to anyone. This person could be exceptionally ripped or doused in gristle!

Look at the number of athletes who fall in to this 6’2er category. Obese? Not at all. Muscular? Yes. So, why the confusion? Because BMI is what it is…an index. It is not…I’ll repeat: it is NOT a measurement. It’s a guideline. It does not even have a value. Do you think an athlete is concerned about his/her BMI? I hope not. They should be more concerned about their performance. So, if they are not concerned why are you overly concerned? Yea, but Derek the doctor said I need to lose 20lbs. 20lbs is a good goal. But, the doc didn’t say he wanted you to lose 5 points on your BMI – that does not make the most sense. Because of the BMI confusion, the amount of weight lost is more important.

Other more important measurements include the following: body fat, lean muscle percentage, circumference measurements. If you change these your BMI can rise, drop, or remain the same. The only absolute constant thing about BMI is your height if you have stopped growing. It is possible to gain muscle and remain at the same weight, which indirectly would still make your BMI the same index number if you’re the 5’5er or the 6’2”er at 215lbs. See, it’s a little misleading.

But, BUT! BMI is still useful because it provides a warning. Take the 6’2”er from above. As soon as this type of person stops his workout intensity/level, those bulging muscles wilt. Yea, that’s a good term: wilt. Case and point – NFL Linemen post retirement (I know they’re not 6’2”, 215), Dan Marino and Nutrisystem.

Wilting - it reminds us of the conversational phrase, “lose it or use it.”