Results 1 to 2 of 2
-
26th April 2018 #1
Can Body Mass Index Be Relied Upon For Measuring Obesity Levels?
..... IS the question.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-43895508 ...
-
29th April 2018 #2
- Join Date
- Sep 2009
- Posts
- 4,623
- Rep Power
- 150
The answer, as the article in the link provided by Arthur says, is " yes, in many cases ". It also points out that it doesn’t actually measure fat. There are exceptions such as body builders, boxers, rugby players, and pregnant women. People with a " healthy " BMI may have other risk factors - like smoking, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure. Medical studies do often use BMI as a simple measure - involving height and weight - when assessing worldwide obesity rates and the health problems which may result.
Waist circumference is helpful as a measure of fat which could increase risk of ill health.
Other factors may affect weight - such as the type of " gut microbes " ( bugs ) that live in huge numbers in the gut ; genetics ( over 100 genes ); what times we eat ( best for most food before 7 pm ) ; a tendency to under-estimate how much we are eating ; and hormones controlling appetites. However, adopting a healthier diet and exercise have been ( and remain ) the mainstay of treatment to improve health.
Obesity is a worldwide problem , affecting 600 million adults, perhaps 1/5 in the next few years. It may cost the UK NHS over £6 billion/ year. The recently introduced UK tax on " sugary soft drinks " is one attempt to curb obesity and bring in revenue ( not without controversy ). Men are more likely to be overweight or obese than women, but they may find it harder to attain a healthy body weight, and are less likely to join weight-loss programmes.
Obesity and overweight have been increasing over the past three decades in ASEAN ( Association of South-East Asian Nations ) countries, including the Philippines. There are differences to the UK. It affects those on higher incomes more than those on lower incomes ; women more than men ; and lower BMI levels are associated with a higher risk of health problems.
See also this link.
Thread Information
Users Browsing this Thread
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Similar Threads
-
Gas~Filled Balloons To Treat Obesity?
By Arthur Little in forum Health IssuesReplies: 10Last Post: 28th May 2016, 05:59 -
New Gut Bacteria Keep Obesity Away
By Terpe in forum Health IssuesReplies: 3Last Post: 4th April 2013, 01:34 -
Humidity levels
By Mr Pickwick in forum Help & AdviceReplies: 20Last Post: 1st August 2012, 10:07 -
A-levels
By rico_gigatt in forum Help & AdviceReplies: 1Last Post: 15th December 2011, 09:20