GUIDE深度 · Deep dive
Limitations of BMI
BMI uses only height and weight and cannot distinguish muscle, fat or fat distribution. Muscular people may be classified as overweight while someone with high visceral fat can have a normal BMI. It suits population statistics, not individual diagnosis.
When it misleads
Athletes: more muscle, higher BMI.
Older adults: less muscle, normal BMI but higher fat.
Pregnancy, children and some ethnic groups: different thresholds.
Better complements
Waist circumference or waist-to-height: visceral fat.
Body-fat percentage, strength/fitness and metabolic markers.
FAQ
Is a normal BMI healthy?
Not necessarily; check waist, blood pressure, glucose and activity.
Are Asian thresholds the same?
Some guidelines use lower cutoffs (for example 23/27.5); use local standards.