The Problem With BMI

It's effective, but not for everybody

- Tina Knezevic

Why do we measure BMI?

Body mass index is a metric designed to measure a person's health status based on their weight. Although widely used, its usefulness has been increasingly called into question.

Here's how it works: you divide your body weight (in kilograms) by the square of your height (in metres). If the number you get is between 18.5 and 25, you're considered to be at a healthy weight. Below this and you're underweight, while above means you're overweight or obese. BMI is used in doctors' offices because it has no cost, is easy to calculate and can help identify risks for conditions affected by body weight, including heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol, sleep apnea and diabetes.

How is BMI problematic?