BMI: What It Measures, What It Misses, and How to Use It Wisely
2026-05-09
Body Mass Index as a screening tool—not a diagnosis—and when to talk to a clinician instead.
BMI relates weight to height; it is useful for population trends and rough personal screening.
It does not distinguish muscle from fat, bone density, or fat distribution—athletes may read “high” without poor health.
Children, older adults, and some ethnic groups may need different interpretation than a single global cutoff.
Pair BMI with waist circumference, activity, blood pressure, and professional advice for a fuller picture.