A new study published in the Annals of Family Medicine has found that Body Mass Index (BMI) may not be an accurate predictor of death risk. Researchers used bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure body fat and found that individuals with high body fat were 78% more likely to die over a 15-year period compared to those with healthy body fat levels.
The study, which included 4,252 people in the US, used BIA to assess body fat percentage rather than relying on BMI. The results showed that BMI was “entirely unreliable” for predicting mortality risk over a 15-year period from any cause. Instead, BIA provided a more accurate measure of health risk.
Other experts agree that BMI has limitations and should not be relied upon as a sole indicator of health. Dr. Frank Orlando, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of using alternative measures to assess body fat, such as bioelectrical impedance analysis.
The researchers acknowledge that future studies are needed to validate these findings and develop more accurate methods for measuring body fat percentage. However, they hope that their results will drive better discussions in the doctor’s office and public health initiatives aimed at improving overall health.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/body-fat-predicts-major-health-risk-bmi-misses-researchers-say