The physique mass index, or BMI, is the components that’s used most frequently to diagnose chubby and weight problems. However in contrast to different widespread diagnoses, there’s a sure stigma utilized to folks with a excessive physique mass index, or BMI, which might have an effect on how they’re perceived by friends, suppliers, and society at giant.
Regardless of the ubiquity of the BMI in drugs, many argue that it’s a flawed device, with an odd historical past. In current months, the BMI has change into extra related than ever as the brand new semaglutide weight reduction medication are poised to vary how weight problems is known and handled.
BMI is a straightforward calculation — an individual’s weight in kilograms divided by the sq. of their top. However how BMI is then translated right into a analysis is difficult and flawed.
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Watch this video to study extra concerning the historical past of the BMI — the way it grew to become so entrenched in drugs and, surprisingly, how its introduction might have set again many years of labor on how weight problems contributes to illness.
A STAT collection is analyzing new weight problems medication which are reworking sufferers’ lives, dividing medical consultants, and spurring one of many greatest enterprise battles in years. Learn extra about The Weight problems Revolution.