Don't Put Too Much Weight on BMI

Body mass index, or BMI, is an excellent indicator of body health. However, do not give that indicator more importance than it deserves: it is simply a risk factor evaluator.

Here's what that means: the higher your BMI, the more likely you are to have metabolic syndrome, whose risk factors include:

• high blood pressure
• elevated cholesterol
• stress
• obesity
• sedentary lifestyle
• type-2 diabetes
• rheumatic diseases
• poor blood circulation

BMI is a height-to-weight ratio. If you have particularly heavy bone density or you are well-muscled, the numbers are meaningless. 

There are a number of factors to take into account when determining health and fitness, including BMI. Taking all factors into account, not just BMI, will help you get a better picture of your health — and help you determine the best way to address your health and fitness needs.