Body Mass Index – News Stories About Body Mass Index - Page 1

American Medical Association: This Health Metric Is Racist

AMA: BMI Metric Has
Caused 'Historical Harm'

AMA: BMI Metric Has Caused 'Historical Harm'

American Medical Association says body mass index as a tool is not only inaccurate, but racist

(Newser) - There's long been pushback on using body mass index, or BMI, as a health gauge. Critics say the metric—which claims to measure body fat simply by carrying out a calculation involving one's height and weight—might assign the same BMI to a person who has a lot...

Overweight People
Live Longer: Study

Jun 27, 2009 3:19 PM CDT

Overweight People Live Longer: Study

(Newser) - A few extra pounds can actually be good for you, the Globe and Mail reports. A recent long-term study of Canadian health records shows that people classified as overweight—with a Body Mass Index of 25 to 30—are 17% less likely to die than those with “normal” BMI,...

McCain's 'Real Age' Is 63

May 25, 2008 2:22 PM CDT

McCain's 'Real Age' Is 63

Expert calculates candidate's years in biological time

(Newser) - McCain may be 71.8 years old on paper, but his biological age is a youthful 63.7, according to the physician who wrote You: The Owner's Manual. Dr. Michael Roizen made the estimate based on McCain's recently-released medical records (though some details on the candidate's dietary and exercise habits...

Obesity Linked to Cancers

Feb 15, 2008 4:32 AM CST

Obesity Linked to Cancers

Strong connections between weight and cancer in men and women

(Newser) - Researchers have identified a powerful link between being overweight and the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Strong links were discovered between obesity and cancer of the esophagus in men and women, and uterine endometrial and gallbladder cancers in women, reports WebMD. Researchers also found modest connections between obesity...

Women Win One in Battle
of Bulge

Nov 29, 2007 5:30 AM CST

Women Win One in Battle of Bulge

Obesity rates have leveled off, holding at 35% since 1999

(Newser) - Obesity rates among American women have leveled off and remained steady since 1999, while rates among American men may be following suit, the CDC reported today. The study’s lead researcher called the trend “great news” for women. Officials will wait to render a final verdict for men, the...

Walk It Off: Pedometers Push People to Lose Weight

Nov 22, 2007 7:23 AM CST

Walk It Off: Pedometers Push People to Lose Weight

Researchers note significant drops in blood pressure

(Newser) - New research suggests that wearing a pedometer can significantly increase a person's daily physical activity, which in turn can lower weight and blood pressure. Pedometers, small devices worn on the hip that count steps, can cost as little as $15. Overall, pedometer users increased their physical activity by 26.9%,...

Ward Off Cancer by Staying Thin, Study Says

Oct 31, 2007 4:25 PM CDT

Ward Off Cancer by Staying Thin, Study Says

Landmark report frowns on excess body weight, processed meat

(Newser) - Excess body weight and consumption of red meat can increase the risk of cancer, even for people within a healthy weight range, researchers reported today in a 40-year international study. Being within the healthy Body Mass Index range of 18.5-24.9 isn’t enough, the Guardian reports, because cancer...

Kids Get Graded on Obesity

Apr 9, 2007 12:08 PM CDT

Kids Get Graded on Obesity

Though Controversial, BMI Screenings for Children Increasingly Common

(Newser) - School nurses in six states are now sending out "obesity report cards," giving parents the results of mandatory Body Mass Index screenings of their children. With the number of overweight kids quadrupling over the last 40 years, advocates aim to detect health issues early. But not all...