Limitations of BMI: Why Body Composition & Waist-to-Hip Ratio Matter
While BMI is an excellent broad population screening tool, it does not distinguish between adipose tissue (fat) and skeletal muscle mass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is better than BMI?
Body fat percentage (measured by DEXA scans or calipers) and waist-to-height ratio provide more detailed cardiovascular risk assessments.
Can you be healthy with a high BMI?
Muscular athletes often have high BMI scores with exceptionally healthy cardiovascular markers and low body fat.