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Are you really healthy? Not BMI, here's what science says you should measure

The article from Times of India discusses the limitations of using Body Mass Index (BMI) as a sole indicator of health. It highlights that while BMI has been a standard measure for categorizing weight, it does not account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition, leading to potential misclassifications. Instead, the article suggests looking at other metrics for a more comprehensive health assessment:

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR): This measures body fat distribution, which is crucial as abdominal fat is linked to higher risks of heart disease and diabetes.

Body Fat Percentage: This gives insight into the proportion of fat in the body, which BMI does not differentiate from muscle or bone.

Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can indicate cardiovascular issues even in individuals with normal BMI.

Cholesterol Levels: Important for understanding heart health, as high levels of bad cholesterol can lead to artery blockages.

Blood Sugar Levels: Monitoring this can help detect prediabetes or diabetes early.

Fitness Levels: Physical fitness, including cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility, provides a functional measure of health.

The article emphasizes that health is multifaceted, involving not just weight but overall metabolic, cardiovascular, and physical fitness indicators.

Read the Full Indiatimes Article at:
[ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/are-you-really-healthy-not-bmi-heres-what-science-says-you-should-measure/articleshow/116885296.cms ]