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Initially known as the Quetelet Index, it was intended for use in epidemiological studies. The term body mass index was proposed in 1972 by Ancel Keys, an influential but controversial American physiologist. It was Keys who also discovered an association between cholesterol and heart disease. Eventually, the insurance industry co-opted BMI…
Body mass index (BMI) is an anthropometric index that is commonly used in the medical setting and is a factor in assessing various disease risks but its origins are unknown by many. More importantly, BMI does not properly assess body fat percentage and muscle mass or distinguish abdominal fat from gluteofemoral fat, which is meaningful to note becuase abdominal fat is associated with insulin…
Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet created what later became the BMI in his quest to find the “average man”. It wasn’t until the 1970s when American physiologist and…
So why do we continue to measure health with arbitrary parameters that ignore human diversity?
It is time to rethink the concept of well-being. Instead of pursuing an ”ideal weight”,we must focus on building a healthy relationship with our body,based on a nutritious diet,physical activity without compulsions,the care of our mental health and,above all,respect for body diversity. Health is not defined by a size or a number on the scale. When we prioritize more balanced habits, our body reaches its own welfare state, reflecting a real weight that responds to its nature and needs, rather of adjusting to an arbitrary standard.
If all the people we eat the same, we did the same physical activity and had the same habits, even so, we would have different bodies. Because body diversity is not a mistake: it is a reality.And it’s time for medicine to recognize it.
* Carolina is a nutritionist specializing in eating disorders (TCA) and author of the book “I tell you because I love you: demolishing aesthetic health stereotypes.”
Rethinking BMI: Embracing Body Diversity for better Health
Table of Contents
In today’s health-conscious world, Body Mass Index (BMI) often takes center stage. While commonly used as a screening tool, its limitations in accurately reflecting individual body composition are increasingly recognized. We speak with Carolina, a nutritionist specializing in eating disorders and author of “I tell you as I love you: demolishing aesthetic health stereotypes,” to explore the history of BMI, its shortcomings, and the urgent need to embrace body diversity in our pursuit of well-being.
A Historical Outlook on BMI: From Average Man to Controversial Measure
Senior Editor: Carolina, BMI has become a ubiquitous metric in healthcare.Can you shed some light on its origins and how it evolved?
carolina: Certainly. BMI, initially known as the Quetelet Index, was developed by Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet in his quest to define the “average man.” It wasn’t until the 1970s that physiologist Ancel Keys introduced the term “body mass index” and popularized its use. Notably, Keys was also a pioneer in linking cholesterol to heart disease.
Senior Editor: Is there anything controversial about the history of BMI?
Carolina: Yes, Ancel Keys’ work, while influential, has faced criticism regarding its methodologies. There are also concerns about how the insurance industry adopted BMI, potentially leading to discrimination based on weight.
beyond the Numbers: Limitations and Concerns with BMI
Senior Editor: Today, BMI is frequently enough used to assess health risks. What are the major limitations of relying solely on BMI?
Carolina: BMI has important limitations. It doesn’t differentiate between muscle mass and fat mass, meaning a very muscular individual could have a high BMI despite being very healthy. Additionally, it doesn’t distinguish between types of fat. Abdominal fat, as an example, is linked to insulin resistance and other health issues, while gluteofemoral fat is generally considered less harmful.
Redefining Health: Embracing Body Diversity for Well-being
senior Editor: You’ve written extensively about the damaging effects of aesthetic health stereotypes. How can we move beyond a singular focus on BMI and embrace body diversity?
Carolina: We need a paradigm shift in our understanding of health. Instead of striving for an “ideal weight,” we should prioritize a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, mental well-being, and, crucially, respect for individual body types. Health is not defined by a number on a scale; it’s about nourishing our bodies and minds.
senior Editor: What message do you hope healthcare professionals and individuals take away from this conversation?
Carolina: I hope to encourage a more inclusive and compassionate approach to health. It’s time for medicine to recognize and celebrate body diversity as a natural and beautiful aspect of human existence. Let’s focus on empowering individuals to make healthy choices that align with their unique bodies and needs.
This conversation serves as a crucial reminder that true well-being extends far beyond the confines of a single metric. By embracing a more holistic and inclusive perspective on health, we can move towards a society that values individuality, respects body diversity, and prioritizes overall well-being.