Ok, just kidding. Of course Tom Brady isn’t fat. But, his BMI (body mass index) is 27.4, putting him solidly in the overweight category of 25 – 29.9.
That, in a nutshell, is why BMI is a flawed way to judge an individual. All it takes into account is height and weight, nothing else.
So, I could have 2 people standing here. Each one is 5’11″ tall, and they both weigh 220 lbs. According to the BMI scale, they are both obese at a BMI of 30.7.
One of them is, considering that his waist is 44″, and he’s carrying around about 73 lbs of bodyfat, with a bodyfat % of 33%.
The other is this guy, Tom Brady’s favorite running back, Laurence Maroney, who happens to be 5’11″ tall and 220 lbs. I’m guessing his bodyfat 10% or less. Not someone I’d call obese.
Now, BMI is helpful in predicting general trends across a population. Those in the overweight or obese ranges tend to have a higher incedence of certain medical conditions.
But, when looking at an individual, BMI tells an incomplete story at best. Doctors like it because it is quick and easy, and can be presented easily on a chart hanging on an exam room wall.
If you want a real measure of your health and fitness, one that is better than weight or BMI alone, then get your bodyfat measured. As we can see with the example above, 220 lbs on one person can be made up of something completely different than 220 lbs on another person.
Go Pats.
~Dave
About the Author
Dave Soucy is a coach, trainer, motivator, husband, dad, and former fat guy. His goal is to teach as many people as possible how to achieve a life of health, fitness, and wellness through simply eating right and exercising. Click here to learn more about Dave.
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