7 ms·
BMI is a flawed statistic. But the advantage of BMI is it is quick and easy to calculate, with simple measurements at home that are hard to screw up. This is wh
by soundwave106 10y ago
BMI is a flawed statistic. But the advantage of BMI is it is quick and easy to calculate, with simple measurements at home that are hard to screw up. This is why it hasn't gone away.
The main alternative that I would suggest possibly including, are methods that include waist and/or hip measurements. Some of which are believed to predict mortality better. (See aBSI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_Shape_Index https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_Shape_Index or waist to hip ratio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waist%E2%80%93hip_ratio https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waist%E2%80%93hip_ratio).
This would involve tracking a couple of optional measurements, though. And not everyone knows how to measure accurately, so it does introduce a possible source of error.
If you know of a better statistic, feel free to chime in. :) From what I see, the most accurate methods for measuring true body fat (hydrostatic, DEXA, etc.) currently are impractical at home, and other current home methods (skin calipers, home BIA) aren't that great either (unless you know what you are doing with the calipers). I do see someone is coming out with a 3D scanner for home bodyfat measurements (https://naked.fit/ https://naked.fit/), but it's pretty pricey at $700ish for the pre-order.