Originally wrote a blog post on the flaws inherent in BMI (body mass index) measurements titled “Tom Brady is Fat” some time in 2007. In case you missed that, here’s a video I did on the subject last year.
Dave Soucy is an entrepreneur, coach, trainer, motivator, husband, dad, and former fat guy. Learn more about him here.
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Hey Dave,
Good stuff! BMI is useful for guiding 1000's of people, but inadequate when dealing with any ONE person.
Must be used alongside Body Fat % (in skilled hands), plus I also like to add a height-waist ratio in there, and look at all 3 measurements in tandem.
And best there is no "right" or "wrong" – yes there are "norms" but really it's all relative to you over time!
Noel Lyons – an ex-BUPA exercise physiologist!
Hey Dave,
Good stuff! BMI is useful for guiding 1000's of people, but inadequate when dealing with any ONE person.
Must be used alongside Body Fat % (in skilled hands), plus I also like to add a height-waist ratio in there, and look at all 3 measurements in tandem.
And best there is no "right" or "wrong" – yes there are "norms" but really it's all relative to you over time!
Noel Lyons – an ex-BUPA exercise physiologist!
Mike Tyson at 5.5% body fat at his peak fighting weight had a BMI of 31. BMI is really kind of comically.
Mike Tyson at 5.5% body fat at his peak fighting weight had a BMI of 31. BMI is really kind of comically.
Very helpful Dave. I did not realize they were so different form one another.
Very helpful Dave. I did not realize they were so different form one another.
[...] A measuring tape, your mirror, how you feel, and your health are much better tools to judge your progress with. If you really want to get crazy, have your bodyfat percentage measured. (No, not your BMI. BMI and bodyfat percentage are NOT the same thing.) [...]