ABC News Daily Why we need to move beyond BMI
Feb 9, 2025
Dr. Louise Bauer, a Professor of child and adolescent health at the University of Sydney, discusses the flaws in the traditional BMI system. She explains how BMI, created nearly 200 years ago, fails to accurately represent health and obesity. Personal stories reveal the impact of BMI on body image and mental health. The conversation highlights the need for a more holistic approach to health assessments, considering factors like body composition and individual circumstances, especially for those misclassified as obese.
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Willow's BMI Struggle
- Willow Moscarda, a 23-year-old student, needed a breast reduction.
- Her BMI classified her as obese due to her large breasts, making it difficult to get a referral.
BMI's Origins
- BMI was originally created by Adolphe Quetelet to measure body size in soldiers, not body fat.
- It became a measure of body fatness much later, around the 1970s.
BMI for Athletes
- BMI can be problematic for athletes with high muscle mass.
- Their BMI might be high, suggesting obesity, but they have low body fat.