Scientists do away with body mass index

From: Linda S.

Sent: June 6, 2012

To: undisclosed recipients

Subject: Fw: Scientists do away with body mass index

I never understood the formula in the body mass index (BMI) because I know in my case that because I work out I have more muscle than fat. Muscle weights more than fat putting my BMI in the over-weight column. Well, I see in this article that the health and science professionals are starting to get it. Please share, Linda.
-----
LONDON, May 12 (UPI) -- British researchers say people concerned about heart disease and diabetes should watch their height-to-waist ratio rather than the body mass index.

A team of British scientists found people should keep their waist measurement to half of their height, The Daily Telegraph reported.

In a study of 300,000 people, the team found this ratio was a better predictor of high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular problems than the body mass index, which is calculated by dividing people's weight by their height.

"Keeping your waist circumference to less than half your height can help increase life expectancy for every person in the world," said Dr. Margaret Ashwell, who headed the study. Watch video below.

Source