BMI vs Waist Measurement vs WHR

[fitzw]

Here's the thing: I have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 28.6; I have a waist measurement of 37"/94cm; I have a WHR (Waist to Hip Ratio) of .88.

According to the BMI (Body Mass Index), I'm overweight.

According to my waist measurement alone, I'm not.

According to my WHR, I'm not.

Which one of these three has been getting the most press recently as an indicator of being overweight?

[BTW, occasionally an article on being overweight or obese will note that muscular people are more likely to be miscategorized by BMI as being overweight, while older people are more likely to be miscategorized by BMI as being normal or underweight. Occasionally.]

ETA: My doctor does not consider me to be overweight. My insurance company might.

Comments

[embermwe.livejournal.com]

Yup, muscular people are gonna get a higher BMI because fat weighs less than lean muscle mass. I would say of the three, the WHR is the most likely to be the accurate predictor.

[chrisilin.livejournal.com]

All three of those are guides. The best test is the one that involves a flotation tank, but because it takes space, time and money it's easier to use the BMI (mismeasures those with larger skeletal frames and plenty of muscle), waist measurement (which is accurate only if relative to a frame size) and WHR, which is closest, but not great.

[fitzw.livejournal.com]

A flotation tank?

When swimming, I sink. Always have. ;-)

[chrisilin.livejournal.com]

that would be an indication that your body composition is fairly low in fat. I used to always sink, now just bits of me (arms, legs) sink.

[hyperbard.livejournal.com]

Oh, dear gods, you are not overweight. Sorry, I get upset if folks get too worried about it, and didn't you say that your BMI was ok? I know all the exercize stuff you do, and you're doing fine:) Give yourself a break.

[fitzw.livejournal.com]

No, my BMI indicates that I might be overweight.

[ellid.livejournal.com]

BMI is not a good indicator of obesity or overweight for the reasons you describe. I have no idea why it's now considered such.

[oaken-glen.livejournal.com]

I've been told that out of the three waist measurement and WHR are better indicators. And that's really only due to the fact that those numbers can indicate how much visceral fat you have. Which is linked to an increase risk of: heart disease, diabetes, metabolic issues, high blood pressure, etc.

Another point about visceral fat that I found interesting is:

"Researchers also have found that abdominal fat cells aren't just dormant energy waiting to be burned up. The cells are active, producing hormones and other substances that can affect your health."

Now that's a little unsettling to me.

Marion