A new study published in Annals of Family Medicine suggests that body mass index (BMI) is “deeply flawed” and fails to predict the risk of future death. Researchers at the University of Florida Health propose a more accurate method for measuring weight, known as bioelectrical impedance analysis.
According to the study, BMI cannot distinguish between muscle and fat mass, which can lead to inaccurate results. The researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to track the health of 4,252 people over 15 years. They found that those with high body fat levels measured by bioelectrical impedance were 78% more likely to die of any cause than those with healthy body fat levels.
In contrast, BMI was not associated with a significant increase in mortality risk. The study suggests that the current method is “so ingrained in how we think about body fat” and it’s time to consider alternative methods.
The researchers point out that bioelectrical impedance analysis devices are available for under $300 and can be found in some primary care practices. While DEXA scans, considered the gold standard for measuring body fat, are not widely available due to their high cost, this new method offers a more affordable and accessible solution.
Mainous and his co-authors believe that this study is “a game-changer” and provides evidence for the effectiveness of direct measurements of body fat. They argue that it’s time to reconsider BMI as a reliable indicator of health risks and explore alternative methods like bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/weight-body-mass-index-measurement-b2779869.html