How reliable is BMI as a measure of body fatness?
Remember, BMI only correlates with body fat, but the relationship differs by age, gender, and body composition. For example, • At the same BMI, older people tend to have more body fat than younger adults • At the same BMI, women tend to have more body fat than men • Athletes may have high BMI due to increased muscle mass rather than increased body fat (muscle weighs more than fat) According to BMI, Brad Pitt, Michael Jordan and George Clooney are “overweight”. BMI is a quick tool, but not necessarily an accurate one, in assessing your overall health.
