When you’re dieting, eating right and trying to be healthy, chances are you’ve been confronted with your body mass index (BMI). This number is used to place you on a spectrum from underweight to obese. This measurement may seem practical in theory, but it’s actually a poor measure of women’s health. While weight certainly can play a role in your overall well-being, it’s not the only factor, which is why it’s crucial to look at other aspects of your health.

Understanding Your BMI

In order to get your BMI, a calculation is done with your height and weight to provide you with a number. This number will fall on a scale, with below 18.5 being underweight, 18.5-24.9 considered normal, 25-29.9 assessed as overweight, and 30 or more deemed obese. While this may seem like a quick way to get a read on women’s health, it doesn’t actually provide any valuable information because it only accounts for a weight-to-height ratio. 

Inaccuracies With BMIs

The major problem with using a BMI as a gauge for women’s health is that it only provides information on weight—not fat. While two people can have the same weight and be the same height, they can have drastically different body builds. From things like bone density to muscle mass, your weight is the product of numerous qualities—not simply excess fat.

In addition to offering an imprecise measurement on fat and weight, the BMI doesn’t look at one of the most critical aspects of health—where the fat is located. Studies show even individuals with normal-range BMIs have an increased mortality risk if they have an excessive amount of belly fat. But if we simply trusted the BMI number, we would think a person with a normal BMI would automatically be healthier. 

When it comes to women’s health issues, it’s important to focus on the picture as a whole—not just one piece.

Since 1966, Ogeechee OB-GYN in Statesboro, GA, has been offering a wide range of women’s health services, from annual exams to prenatal care. If you’re in need of more complex procedures, this center also performs incontinence surgeries, hysterectomies, and more. To schedule an appointment or learn more about this practice and their services, call (912) 871-6206 or visit their website.