Recently body mass index has been used more frequently than other ways of measuring body composition, such as height and weight tables, girth measurements, skinfold tests, and bioelectrical impedance. The reason, it’s easier and it gives the information we need in order to predict ones fitness level and obesity related risk factors. Also it is more humane to the lucky person being measured.
Scientists at the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke in Nuthetal, Germany, suggest that BMI may not be as reliable indicator as previously thought. The scientist studied BMI, waist circumference and waist to hip ratio in relation to the risk of death among 359,387 participants from the European Prospective investigation into cancer. After 10 years and the deaths of 14,723 participants, the scientists reviewed all records to determine which assessment method was more reliable in predicting obesity related deaths.
The results of the study found that those participants who fell into the healthy weight category, but had large bellies had a significantly higher risk of death than their counterparts. If only tested for BMI these people may have been dismissed as low risk of death. If waist circumference measurements or hip to waist measurements where considered in this testing these normal weight individuals may not have been overlooked.
The results of this study emphasizes that BMI may not be enough and abdominal obesity because of it proximity to the heart and surrounding organs are associated with risk of death.
I’ve got no time for those who eat like pigs after which look for magic pills, diets and programs. By eating too much, you will be fat no mater what. And i’m not particularly slim but I do run and feel healthy, without feeling hungry constantly. Get a grip people!