A short lesson · Three questions

BMI is a starting point

BMI relates weight to height. It is a screening measure, not a complete description of a person’s health.

Height + weight

A screening number

A wider conversation

BMI does not directly measure body fat or separate fat from muscle and bone. Medical history, an examination and other findings add context.

Source: CDC · BMI explained (opens in a new tab)

Try the idea

Three questions to make it stick.

Choose an answer to each, then check your understanding. You can review and try again.

1. What information goes into BMI?Height and weightBlood pressure and sleepBody fat and muscle measurements

2. Two adults have the same BMI. What can we conclude?They have identical health risksThey have the same amount of muscleTheir health still needs individual context

3. What is a useful next question?Can this number tell me everything?What other information helps put this in context?Should I ignore all other measures?

0 of 3 questions answered

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