MPs are saying that using one's body mass index (BMI) as a way to measure how healthy someone is only contributes to body image and weight shaming rhetoric. Historically, BMIs calculated from weight and height, has been used to categorize whether someone is underweight, overweight or at a healthy weight.
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A need for change
But those advocating for a less stigmatizing measure of health, say that scales, measuring tapes and BMI calculators only serve to fuel eating disorders. Instead, they are fighting for medics to adopt a 'health at every size' method in which one's level of health is calculated subjectively.
In other words, the idea would not be to have to refer back to a preconceived standard that isn't inclusive enough as size or body fat percentage don't always necessarily paint an accurate picture of someone's level of health. Committee chairman Caroline Nokes said:
We need to see urgent action. The use of BMI as a measure of healthy weight has become a kind of proxy or justification for weight shaming. This has to stop.
But others believe that BMIs are crucial
Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, on the other hand believes that BMI calculators are essential and that the need for them far outweigh possible triggering reactions:
People need to be told when they are overweight so they can do something about it. Failing to tackle the issue will only result in more cases of type two diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
And added:
Wrapping people in cotton wool and not telling them their BMI will not protect them from bad news in the long term. BMI may not be the most precise measurement of 'fat' but it is the best... to describe the overall health of an individual.
Douglas Twenefour, of Diabetes UK, also agreed with Fry in that this medical practice is crucial in saving lives:
When used appropriately, BMI provides valuable information. We understand that some people may find certain measures triggering but if done sensitively, these are important tools to help people to live a more healthy life.
