Why BMI Isn't Complete Garbage (But Also Isn't Perfect)

Let's be honest: BMI has a reputation problem. Fitness influencers love to trash it, calling it "outdated" and "meaningless." But here's the thing - BMI is actually pretty useful when you understand what it measures and what it doesn't.

What BMI Actually Measures

BMI is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. That's it. It doesn't measure body fat, muscle mass, or bone density. It's just a ratio of weight to height.

And you know what? For most people, that ratio correlates pretty well with health outcomes. Higher BMI means higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and early death. Lower BMI (within reason) generally means better health outcomes.

Where BMI Falls Short

Athletes and muscular people - If you're jacked, BMI might classify you as overweight or obese. Muscle weighs more than fat, so bodybuilders can have high BMIs while being incredibly healthy.

Elderly people - Older adults naturally lose muscle mass, so their BMI might look "healthy" even if they're carrying too much fat.

Different body types - BMI doesn't account for where you carry fat. Visceral fat (around your organs) is way more dangerous than subcutaneous fat (under your skin).

The Bottom Line

BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. If your BMI is in the overweight or obese range and you're not a professional athlete, it's worth paying attention to. But don't obsess over the number - focus on how you feel, your fitness level, and other health markers like waist circumference and body fat percentage.

Use BMI as a starting point, not the final word on your health.