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How Reliable Is BMI?

The body mass index (BMI) of an elite athlete can be so high as to classify him as obese because of his muscle mass, according to eMedTV. Calculating your BMI can provide a good indication of overall health, but does not replace testing for your specific body type.

  1. History

    • Belgian mathematician Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet created BMI in the 19th century, according to National Public Radio. BMI, however, is most useful in gauging the health of large populations, not as a tool for individual fitness, according to Martica Heaner of MSN Health.

    Considerations

    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers BMI calculation an adequate representation of a person's body fat. Still, the CDC warns that it should not be used as the lone factor in determining health.

    Tip

    • People with a lot of muscle mass or pregnant women should not use BMI, according to East Carolina University. Measure the circumference of your waist to get a better idea of your risk of developing an obesity-related disease.

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