What Does Your BMI Mean?

What Does Your BMI Mean?

"Your BMI tells you whether your weight falls into a range that's optimal for health and longevity," says Morton Maxwell, M.D., co-director of the Obesity Center at the University of California at Los Angeles. The catch is, different authorities name different BMIs as optimal.

While the U.S. Government says a BMI of 30 and over equals obesity, Dr. Maxwell points out, "30 per cent is really quite high, while most every study in the medical literature shows that the ideal BMI for health and longevity is about 22 per cent."

It's worth noting, says Dr. Maxwell, that medical research also shows that a BMI of 27 to 30 acutely elevates the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other obesity-related disorders, such as high cholesterol. "The standards set forth by the government are practical," says Dr. Maxwell, "but not really realistic, in the sense that they are set for populations and not individuals."

Those who are seriously concerned about their weight, health and longevity, says Dr. Maxwell, should consult with a physician. "There are just so many individual variables involved," he says, "that the BMI doesn't tell the whole health story."

"Certain individuals have a family history of fat storage-related cancers, such as colon or breast cancer," says Julie Anthony, an Aspen, Colo. clinical psychologist specializing in sports psychology.

Anthony, who also treats many people with eating disorders, says, "Although some people may look thin and have a low BMI compared to the government standard, they may still want to reduce their BMI and body fat levels to reduce their cancer risk." In general, though, "The BMI gives you a good start, but you must be careful not to customize," advises Anthony.

Dr. Maxwell concurs, adding, "Realize that if you decide you are fat and want to lose weight, there are no diet breakthroughs. The magic formula for weight loss is the same that it has always been: reduced caloric intake, increased exercise and behavior modification."