Uncovering the Truth Behind the BMI Score Myth: What You Need to Know

Understanding the Impact of BMI on Mortality Risk

Myth: BMI Scores Do Not Affect Death Risk

The belief that maximally underweight, overweight, and obese Body Mass Index (BMI) scores do not increase the risk of death from any cause is incorrect.

Truth: BMI Scores Correlate with Mortality Risk

Recent research indicates a clear relationship between BMI scores and mortality risk. Although earlier studies showed mixed results, a new study has concluded that both maximally underweight and maximally overweight or obese BMI scores heighten the risk of death compared to those with a maximally normal-weight BMI score.

Defining Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index is calculated by taking an individual’s weight in kilograms and dividing it by the square of their height in meters. The classifications for BMI are as follows:
– Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
– Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
– Overweight: BMI between 25.0 and 29.9
– Obese I: BMI between 30.0 and 34.9
– Obese II: BMI greater than 35

Further Reading

For more information on BMI scores and their association with the risk of death from any cause, refer to the study by Yu et al. (2017) titled “Weight History and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Three Prospective Cohort Studies,” published in Annals of Internal Medicine.