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BMI underestimates obesity in men

A study shows that body mass index (BMI) measurements may underestimate obesity, particularly among men.

The study led by Professor Julie Pasco analysed data from 2,491 randomly-selected men and women, aged 20–96. Full body scans were used to measure fat and obesity levels. The body scan measurements were compared to BMI measurements.

The researchers found 19.7% of the males were obese when using BMI measurements. However, in comparison, 24.7% of the men were shown to be obese when the body scan measurements were used.

The findings show the need for new categories in defining obesity. The BMI measurements do not consider the amount of body fat to overall body weight.

Read more at Deakin University

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