I’m 6’1 220 and train regularly. My body fat composition is low but my BMI is considered overweight/ obese. Mind you I lift and BJJ/ Muay Thai 6 days a week. Nobody who sees me would say I’m overweight or close to obese. The BMI is horrible indicator but is it racist ? Doctors urged to move beyond BMI alone as a health measure | CNN American Medical Association says BMI is 'racist' | Daily Mail Online
I put in CNN. They also referenced bmi as racist from CNN Last week, the American Medical Association adopted a new policy on the index, noting “significant limitations associated with widespread use of BMI in clinical settings” and citing its “historical harm” and “use for racist exclusion.”
I've listened to various podcasts talking about body image, BMI and race. There's a lot out there. As I read it, the article doesn't seem to be calling it racist in the most nefarious sense of the word but it's saying that BMI was created with only White men in mind.
Saying its been used for racist purposes isn't saying that it's inherently racist, that's a pretty weasily editorialization IMO. The Bible has been used for racist purposes, and if you said "OMG you called the Bible racist" because of that, you are probably motivated by bad faith.
I've always thought BMI was a stupid measure. Does not take muscular builds into account at all. Arnold Schwarzenegger was obese in this picture -
I’m sure you are an exception based on your activities but I suspect for most people the BMI is fairly accurate. A lot of people with higher BMIs actually are fat, but claim to be muscular or big boned like cartman. I’m same height as you and after about 20 years for the first time am back in the normal category. I’d still like to lose another 5-10 pounds. I’ve never been one that could add lots of muscle weight - they were usually more endurance based.
Wouldn't the bigger concern be failing diagnose obesity in minority populations rather than incorrectly labelling them fat?
I definitely don't think BMI is racist. Is it useful? Minimally. Gives a pretty general idea of what a healthy weight should be, but to be honest, I think the only Americans who aren't overweight by BMI standards are people with a very small frame or people who are incredibly skinny. If you're an athlete or you lift weights, you're overweight by BMI standards. If you aren't skinny and don't have a small frame and you have a desk job, more than likely you're overweight. Then, obviously your couch potatoes are overweight as well.
