The use of body mass index as a measure of obesity may not be accurate.? The results of a new study found that almost 40% of people who fell into the overweight category according to BMI standards were actually classified as obese when evaluated using other adiposity measures.
BMI versus DeXA Scan
The study, conducted by Eric Braverman, MD, and current New York State Health Commissioner Nirav Shah, MD, raises questions about the widely used BMI test.? In their research, they checked BMI results against body fat analysis using Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan.
DXA? is a direct measure of body fat, muscle mass and bone density.? It is becoming the gold standard for body fat analysis.? According to a release, research results led Braverman and Shah to agree that BMI is an outdated mathematical equation which needs to evolve in order to correctly evaluate body fat."
Which Body Fat Test is Best for You?
As a patient, you may not have many options when it comes to the use of BMI or DeXA scan.? While the scan is becoming more available in hospital settings, it is still a much more expensive and time-consuming test to perform.
For most people, the BMI will still give them a reasonably accurate idea of how their health may be affected by their weight.? But if you question the results, ask your physician about the DeXA scan or about other methods to evaluate your percent body fat.
