The BMI Myth

http://www.shakesville.com/2007/09/why-bmi-is-crock-in-pictures.html

Pictured above is a woman who, according to the BMI scale, is "overweight". This woman is 5'0" and weighs 130lbs, and according to the BMI chart, she would do well to lose weight. BMI charts have been used for many years now by doctors and many others in order to find a healthy weight that corresponds to their height. Unfortunately, the BMI chart does not take into account any factors such as muscle mass, breast tissue, and other factors that may affect one's weight. BMI charts are, essentially, pointless and an entirely flawed system that merely perpetuates fear of fatness. The BMI chart implies that the term "overweight" is a morally and socially acceptable term for someone whom society views as undesirable in this ideological world where thinness is valued above all others body types. BMI emphasizes that health is shown merely through how much one weighs, when in reality healthiness is a highly complex and multifaceted thing that has more to do with lifestyle choices and habits than it has to do with a simple number on a scale. This also emphasizes the use of the word "overweight" as a category for certain body types. This oppressive term is one that most women and many men have come to fear due to its negative connotations in our society. (i.e. overweight = unhealthy) As many fat activists say, "Overweight? Over what weight?"