Why BMI Is Not Enough To Measure Obesity: Body mass index has been used to measure obesity for years. On the basis of a person’s height and weight, doctors decide whether he falls in the category of normal weight, overweight or obese. However, now health experts believe that it is not enough to accurately assess a person’s health on the basis of body mass index alone. There are many people whose body mass index is normal, but excess fat accumulated around the stomach can put them at risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases.

Which new rule was implemented?

Keeping this in view, the Union Health Ministry has recommended including waist-to-height ratio during the examination of children in schools. Experts say that this method gives a better idea of ​​the fat accumulated in the body, especially around the stomach, which can be a sign of many serious diseases in the future.

How is body mass index known?

Body mass index is calculated by dividing a person’s weight by the square of his height. This method is used all over the world because it is easy and cheap, but its biggest drawback is that it cannot tell the difference between muscle and fat. For example, an athlete may have a higher body mass index because he has more muscles, even though he does not have excess fat in his body. On the other hand, a person with a normal body mass index can also face serious health risks due to excess fat accumulation on the abdomen.

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What are you most worried about?

According to experts, the biggest concern is the fat accumulated around the stomach. This fat can accumulate around vital organs like liver, pancreas and intestines, increase inflammation in the body and increase the risk of problems like insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type-2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

How is its ratio arrived at?

It is also very easy to calculate the waist-to-height ratio. For this, the waist measurement is divided by the length and both measurements should be in the same unit, such as centimeters. According to experts, the waist of any adult should be less than half of his total height. For example, if a person’s height is 170 cm, then it is considered better for his waist to be less than 85 cm.

However, experts also clarify that there is no need to abandon body mass index completely. Its usefulness remains even today in screening people and assessing obesity on a large scale. But if waist-to-height ratio is also included along with body mass index, a more accurate picture of a person’s health can emerge.

It is also important to pay attention to these things

Doctors say that a person’s health cannot be accurately assessed by just measuring his weight or waist. Along with this, it is also important to pay attention to things like blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, diet, physical activity, family disease history and lifestyle.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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