BMI and Heart Disease Risk
October 8, 2006 by James Brann, MD
Filed under Featured, Women's Health
For years now many believed the body-mass index (BMI) was a fair predictor of cardiovascular risk in people. A new study however, reveals this often used tool is NOT a good predictor of cardiovascular risk. Why? The BMI does not do a good job distinguishing between fat and muscle. Failure to do so may lead to inaccurate perceptions of one’s health and fitness level.
How BMI Is Calculated
Health providers calculate BMI by dividing a person’s weight (in kilograms) by height squared. Typically those with a BMI less than 25 are considered healthy, and those with a BMI over 25 are considered at risk for adverse health outcomes, obesity and more.
