In the medical community there are 2 major measurements used to determine one’s health: BMI (Body Mass Index) and the scale. However, these are the least important and least effective ways to determine one’s health.
We are all different structurally, skeletal structure and density, and varying amounts of lean muscle mass. Some people have naturally wider hip bones, broader shoulders, and for women varying breast size. Some people are naturally petite and others naturally brawny.
Because of these factors, most people do not fit the ideal weight and BMI. For many people it’s simply not practical nor is it even healthy to try to fit into those molds. The BMI is outdated and should be retooled or discarded all together! For example, a natural bodybuilder, who is 5’ 11” and weighing in at 240 pounds. Recently went to get an insurance policy, they took his height and weight and determined that he was obese based on the BMI. Due to his, so called “unhealthy state” they were going to charge him a higher premium.
There are many people who don’t meet the BMI standard, who are not overweight or unhealthy, and have had a similar experience with an insurance company or a health provider who told them they are unhealthy due to their BMI.
The BMI was developed from a simple mathematical equation. Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian who was an astronomer, mathematician, and statistician, devised it in the 1830’s. The idea is to estimate if a person has is at a healthy weight by dividing their weight and by their height squared. The BMI standard is approximately 191 years old. A lot has changed since then. It’s time for a new standard!
The first and most essential determination of health is blood testing. When was the last time you have had your blood work done? It’s important to know and understand what is going on in your body. A blood test is the best way to make a well-informed lifestyle change based on the results. Nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalances, and silent health risks can be determined by a simple blood test. It is recommended to have your blood work done on an annual basis.
Second, is body composition, basically to how much of you is what? At NPTI students learn to focus on body fat percentage and lean muscle percentage. The desired goal is increased muscle and decreased body fat percentage. In some cases, people don’t notice significant weight loss but do notice changes in how clothes fit, overall fat loss and reduction in inches. It’s important to remember that muscle is 3 times denser than fat. If you’re trying to reduce body fat, focus on the reduction of inches first and the scale last. We recommend that a person should not weigh themselves more than once a week or every other week.
It’s important that people focus on what’s important when it comes to being healthy. Our culture is constantly telling us we are not good enough, thin enough, and or attractive enough. We are most beautiful when we are healthy inside and out.
Culture needs to change, and people need to stop comparing themselves to an unreasonable standard! For more information about how to get started with NPTI of AZ please click this LINK
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