Does the Body Mass Index Accurately Reflect Percent Body Fat in Athletes?

摘要

The body mass index (BMI) is a measure that was developed as a simple and noninvasive way to estimate body composition and categorize individuals based on body size and weight. The BMI is computed by dividing an individual's weight (in kilograms) by his or her height (in meters) squared. Based on the computed ratio, individuals are classified as being underweight (<18.5-kg-nT~2), of normal weight (18.5-24.9-kg-nT~2), overweight (25-29.9-kg-m~2), or obese (>30-kg-nT~2). Individuals with a BMI greater than 25 kg-m"2 are thought to be at greater risk of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes because they cany around excess body fat. Consequently, individuals with high BMIs may pay more for health insurance or life insurance because of the perceived health risk.