Zeitschrift für Ernährung und Gewichtsverlust

Abstrakt

Is body mass index a reliable indicator of obesity?

Aparna Chandrasekaran

Body mass index (BMI) is a widely accepted anthropometric method for classifying overweight and obesity. The term was coined by Ancel Keys, also known as Quetelet index; it is a value of body mass obtained by dividing weight in kilograms by height in square meters. BMI is an easy-to-calculate, reproducible and inexpensive method of weight categorization, but it is limited by a number of factors. Gender, ethnicity and body composition are some important factors that affect the credibility of BMI. Nevertheless, it is considered the gold standard for diagnosing, categorizing and treating overweight/obesity. After a critical analysis and detailed discussion of the limiting factors, this review concludes that BMI should not be used as the only criterion, but should be used together with waist circumference, skinfold thickness measurement and body composition analysis for more accurate diagnosis of obesity/overweight.