BMI

Body mass index (BMI) is a numerical value calculated from weight and height, used to categorize people as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. It is widely used as a health risk screening tool.

Significant limitations for Black patients: BMI was developed using data from European men and was never intended as an individual diagnostic tool. Research shows Black adults often have lower fat mass and higher bone density and muscle mass at the same BMI as white adults, meaning standard BMI cutoffs may overestimate health risk in Black populations.

BMI has also contributed to weight bias in healthcare settings, where Black patients' symptoms have been attributed to weight rather than investigated properly. Waist circumference, body fat percentage, and metabolic markers provide more clinically relevant information.