Let’s Talk About BMI – Why It’s Not the Whole Picture
Living Your 5% Life
You’ve probably heard about BMI (Body Mass Index). It’s that simple number doctors like to throw around to tell you if you’re in a “healthy” weight range.
But here’s the thing—BMI is just one small piece of the puzzle, and it doesn’t tell the whole story about your health.
BMI is based on your height and weight, but it doesn’t take into account important stuff like muscle mass, body composition, or how active you are.
So, someone who’s super fit but carries more muscle might have a higher BMI and be labeled “overweight” or even “obese,” even though they’re in great shape!
Sound flawed? Yeah, we think so too.
What matters more than BMI is how you feel in your body and how well you’re moving through life.
Do you feel strong, mobile, and energized?
Are you taking care of yourself with nutritious food and regular movement?
These are much better indicators of overall health than a number on a chart.
BMI can sometimes be a useful starting point, but don’t let it define you.
Instead, focus on habits that help you feel better every day—things like eating real food, stretching, staying active, and keeping your body moving freely.
In the end, your health is about so much more than a number.
****Pro tip: A more important indicator of heart health is the ratio of triglycerides to HDL, ideally less than 2 to 1.
Keeping track of your BMI as part of your overall wellness is not a wasted effort. Having a variety of metrics to monitor might be the formula for keeping you motivated. Let's face it, any opportunity for positive reinforcement is a good thing. If numbers matter to you, track more things like reps and weights lifted, minutes of exercise, miles, your body weight, body measurements, % body fat to muscle. Get creative. As each one incrementally improves it provides the spark to keep you engaged. Don't hesitate to share your experiences with us.