The truth about BMI (Body Mass Index): Is it really important for our health?

You've probably heard of the word BMI, right? Many people use this BMI value to find out if they have a suitable weight for their height, are overweight, underweight, or normal. But whether this number alone tells the whole truth about our health is a big question. Because there are many things that BMI value cannot tell. So let's talk about this exactly today.

BMI is a 'useful' but 'imperfect' measure

Simply put, BMI, or body mass index, is a simple calculation using your height and weight. It divides a person into four main categories.

Now, how useful is this value? In fact, there is a perception among doctors that "BMI is not a perfect measure." But since it is so easy to calculate, it is hard to imagine that it will ever go out of use.

Think about it this way. A person's BMI may be in the obese range, but when their cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar levels are checked, they may all be in the normal range. This means that even though they are overweight, they do not currently have the health risks associated with it.

But here's the thing. If you check your BMI with an online calculator and it shows you're either 'overweight' or 'obese', don't take it lightly . It's a warning sign. It's best to talk to your doctor about what you can do to protect yourself from metabolic diseases like diabetes and heart disease that can be caused by your weight.

What BMI doesn't show: Where muscle and fat are located

When calculating your BMI, it doesn't take into account the amount of muscle mass you have or where your fat is stored. These two things are very important.

The amount of muscle you have in your body

Think of someone who exercises well and is fit. For example, an athlete. They have more muscle than fat in their body. Muscle weighs more. So, when you calculate their BMI, it might show that they are 'overweight'. But in reality, they have very little body fat, and they are very healthy.

And the other side of this can be true. A person can have a 'normal' BMI, but they may have less muscle mass and more body fat. This is especially true among older people who don't exercise. So even if their BMI is normal, they may have more body fat, which can put them at the same risk as someone who is overweight.

Where is the fat stored: apples? pears?

Health risks vary depending on where your body fat is stored. Simply put, are you shaped like an apple or a pear?

• Apple Shape: This refers to the fat that is deposited around the waist, that is, in the abdominal area. We call the deep fat that is deposited around the internal organs in this way `(visceral fat)`. This is the most dangerous. When belly fat increases in this way, the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes increases significantly.

• Pear Shape: This refers to fat being stored in the hips and thighs. This type of fat stored under the skin is less harmful to health than fat stored in the abdomen.

The relationship between BMI, age, and race

There is no single 'healthy BMI' that fits everyone. This can vary depending on your age and ethnicity.

Change with age

A slightly lower BMI (underweight) in an elderly person can be a sign of frailty. There are benefits to being slightly overweight as you age, as it reduces the risk of falls and infections.

Difference by race

This is a very important issue for our country. BMI values ​​were first introduced based on data for white people. But these values ​​need to be changed for other races.

• The healthy BMI range for Asians is 18.5 to 23.9 (normal range is 24.9).
• An Asian with a BMI of 27 or higher can be considered 'obese' (normal level is 30).
• Therefore, if you are Asian and your BMI is over 23, it is wise to get tested for diabetes. Consult your doctor about this.

Other methods that can be used in addition to BMI

Since BMI doesn't tell the whole story, it's a good idea to use a tape measure along with your weight scale.

1. Waist Circumference

Take the tape and measure around your waist at your hip level.

2. Waist-to-Height Ratio

This is also a good measure. The goal here is to keep your waist circumference less than half your height .

3. Waist-to-Hip Ratio

Measure your waist circumference, then measure your hips. Divide your waist circumference by your hips. According to the World Health Organization, this ratio should be less than 0.90 for men and less than 0.85 for women.

Other techniques

In addition to these, tests such as skinfold thickness, DXA scan, MRI, or ultrasound can provide more in-depth information about body composition. However, these are not usually necessary for everyone.