For Black women in particular, here are five interesting aspects to consider regarding BMI:
- Discrepancies in BMI may be due to variations in bone mineral content, hydration state and the density of lean mass in different ethnic groups.
- Based on direct measures of body fat, such as dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), researchers found that an African American woman may not be overweight or obese even though the BMI formula indicates that she is.
- The statistical risk for disease; high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure would increase at BMI of 30 /180 pounds in a Caucasian women and at BMI 33 /198 pounds in an African American women according to researchers.
- According to researchers in the study Body Size Perception Among African American Women, 56% of overweight women (BMI 25 or greater) and 40% of obese women (BMI 30 or greater) did not classify their body size as overweight, obese, or too fat. The cultural threshold for overweight was determined to be about a BMI of 35, which is higher than the medical definition of ≥25.
- African American women have the highest obesity prevalence of any demographic group and are more likely to underestimate their body weight than white women. According to new research from Rush University Medical Center, cultural norms for body size may prevent awareness among many African American women about the potential health benefits they and others in their cultural group might achieve through weight loss.
Why BMI Is Still Important For Black Women
BMI is not the only way to size up your shape. However, the BMI ranges are based on the relationship between body weight and disease and death, and knowing your number can be life-saving. Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases and health conditions, including the following:
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidemia (for example, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
BMI: Is This Scale Broken For Black Women? was originally published on blackdoctor.org
