Strengths and Limitations of BMI in the Diagnosis of Obesity: What is the Path Forward?

Abstract Purpose of Review This review aims to discuss strengths and limitations of body mass index (BMI) in diagnosing obesity, the use of alternative anthropometric measurements, and potential new technology that may change the future of obesity diagnosis and management. Recent Findings The diagnosis of obesity requires the anthropometric assessment of adiposity. In clinical settings, this should include BMI with confirmation that elevated BMI represents excess adiposity and a measure of fat distribution (i.e., waist circumference (WC), waist to height ratio (WHtR), or WC divided by height 0.5 (WHR.5R). Digital anthropometry and bioelectric impedance (BIA) can estimate fat distribution and be feasibly…

• UO
  University of Alabama at Birmingham

  Award: T32HL105349
• UO
  University of Alabama
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: T32HL105349, DK079626