If you’ve ever felt frustrated by your BMI number, you’re not alone. Many people with higher muscle mass or different body compositions find themselves inaccurately categorized, leaving them questioning whether BMI truly reflects their health.

In this episode of the Healthy Returns Podcast, Dr. Cynthia Preston and host Sharon Polsky explore the origins of BMI and its relevance in medicine, even as its limitations become more apparent, especially in alternative and regenerative medicine.

They discuss why a simple height-to-weight comparison falls short. While BMI remains a staple in many clinical settings, it often misses the bigger picture of individual health.

Dr. Preston highlights that modern technology, such as impedance analysis, now allows for precise measurements of various aspects of body composition, including muscle mass and different types of body fat. These measurements can be taken quickly and easily, whether at a doctor’s office or a gym.

This technology gives doctors a more accurate picture of a patient’s health and allows athletes to track their progress in far greater detail.

BMI may capture a number, but it doesn’t capture the human experience. As Dr. Preston points out, the real consequences often lie in the embarrassment and anxiety caused when people are criticized about their weight during medical visits.

Why BMI Falls Short

BMI was originally designed as a population-level public health tool, not an individual health metric. It fails to consider:

  • Muscle mass

  • Bone density

  • Fat distribution

This can lead to misleading results and unnecessary body shaming.

The Power of Body Composition

Advances in technology, like Body Impedance Analysis (BIA) and the Evolt 360, allow precise tracking of:

  • Skeletal muscle

  • Subcutaneous fat

  • Visceral fat

With these tools, doctors and fitness professionals can provide individualized insights, track progress accurately, and create personalized health strategies.

Focus on Personalized Health, Not Numbers

Instead of fixating on weight or BMI, the focus should be on actionable health metrics that empower patients and clients to make lasting lifestyle changes. Body composition analysis delivers this clarity, enabling better health outcomes and reducing stigma.

Takeaway:

Understanding body composition, rather than relying solely on BMI, provides a clearer, more individualized view of health and avoids the unnecessary stress that comes with outdated metrics.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about why BMI is outdated and how modern technology is revolutionizing the way we track health.