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

[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