Understanding BMI and Its Limitations

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BMI, which stands for body mass index, is a calculation of body mass in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. The optimal range according to medicine is between 18.5 and 24.9. Interestingly, BMI was invented in the 1830s by an Austrian astronomer during a time when medical knowledge was limited. Despite its widespread use in doctor's offices, BMI does not provide a complete picture as it does not distinguish between muscle and fat mass. Individuals with high muscle mass, like athletes, may have a higher BMI even though their body fat percentage is low.

*Content warning up top: This episode discusses sensitive themes like diet culture, caloric intake, the psychological & physical effects of food restriction and includes many listeners’ personal experience with the term “obesity." It may be triggering for those with a history of or sensitivity to disordered eating. We also discuss the Body Mass Index, still used by medical professionals, but acknowledged by many sociologists to be rooted in structural oppression.*

Let’s explore our human machinery. And talk about Brazilian butt lifts. Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology and metabolism researcher Dr. Herman Pontzer gives us the data on mitochondrial backstories, muscle mass and hormones, our expanding brains, the flaws of the Body Mass Index, humans’ relationships with nutrition, why crash dieting can change your metabolism, perspectives on sticky medical terms, isotope magic, how much exercise hunter gatherers get, carnivore diets, scales, and what to do if you're grappling with sadness.

Visit the Pontzer Lab website

Browse Dr. Pontzer’s papers on ResearchGate and follow him on Instagram and X

Buy Dr. Pontzer’s book, Burn: New Research Blows the Lid Off How We Really Burn Calories, Stay Healthy, and Lose Weight

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