Recent research on BMI (Body Mass Index) has revealed that placing too much emphasis on this fat measurement tool, might not be the best way to determine your levels of health. The findings concluded that people with a slightly higher BMI might be healthier than those with a normal or lower BMI.

People With Slightly Higher BMIs Can Still Be Healthy

Research was conducted on more than 3 million subjects and it revealed that people with a higher than average BMI (still under 30) were less likely to die than people with normal or low BMIs. Being slightly overweight causes people to have a lower overall mortality according to the study.

It’s believed that some excess adipose tissue is helpful in preventing certain illnesses. This is because it provides much needed energy to fight off the disease or ailment. Just as underweight people can be in poor health, slightly overweight people can also enjoy good health.

The Risks of BMI Study Findings

Some health providers are up in arms about this as it gives rise to downplaying an extremely important health issue. The secret is to understand that BMI measurement does not reveal the entire picture with regards to normal and abnormal weight readings.

Studies published in publications such as the Journal of American College of Cardiology have shown that people with higher BMI readings have a lower mortality risk. This is referred to as the obesity paradox.

BMI Measure Obesity Based on Height and Weight Only

BMI uses height and weight to establish a reading. This does produce flawed results in athletes and people who are heavy-boned. It can give false information in as much as 25% of men and close to 50% of women. It begs the question, “how many people are truly obese?”

It’s better to measure body fat percentage to establish obesity and the risk of becoming ill with obesity related conditions. Body fat percentage readings identify where the problem areas are on the body, where BMI does not. It’s important to know where the fat is situated. Fat bellies in men for example, indicated a higher risk of cardiac disease in men.

Doctors believe that a high body fat percentage gives rise to illnesses and conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, raised cholesterol and hypertension.

The key is to create a healthy looking and feeling body for yourself. Don’t focus solely on your calorie intake and spend – focus on designing a body with the right amount of body fat percentage and a body that will get get people looking twice at you (for the right reasons )