• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Clinical Trials Resource Center
    • Wellness on the Yard
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Immunocompromised Care
    • Top Blacks in Healthcare
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Wellness / Fitness Mix / BMI Chart Women: Is This Scale Broken For Black Women?

BMI Chart Women: Is This Scale Broken For Black Women?

BMI Chart WomenBody mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to most adult men and women. It does not measure body fat directly. BMI is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening to identify possible weight problems for adults. Epidemiologists use BMI to calculate national obesity rates.

British Journal of Nutrition published a study that found the BMI formula, which is widely used to determine body fat, may not be accurate for non-Caucasian, multicultural populations. The current BMI categories state:

BMI Chart Women: 

Underweight = 18.5
Normal weight = 18.5–24.9
Overweight = 25–29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

“This scale was created years ago and is based on Caucasian men and women. It doesn’t take into account differences in body composition between genders, race/ethnicity groups and across the life span,” says Molly Bray, an associate professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and lead author of a study at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Bray states, “Non-Hispanic white women are not considered obese until they have a BMI of 30 or above. For African American, women the number is 32.”

You May Also Like
Learn About Merck's Research Studies for Patients with Colorectal Cancer

RELATED: What Is BMI & How Can I Calculate It?

African-Americans tend to have less visceral fat (fat around their organs) and more muscle mass. An African-American with a BMI of 28, considered overweight by the standard chart, may be as healthy as a Caucasian person with a BMI of 25. There are a lot of differences in BMI and health risk among multicultural groups according to  Richard L. Atkinson, MD, a researcher and editor of the International Journal of Obesity.

For Black women in particular, here are five interesting aspects to consider regarding BMI:

  1. Discrepancies in BMI may be due to variations in bone mineral content, hydration state and the density of lean mass in different ethnic groups.
  2. Based on direct measures of body fat, such as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), researchers found that a Black woman may not be overweight or obese even though the BMI formula indicates that she is.
  3. The statistical risk for disease; high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure would increase at BMI of 30 /180 pounds in Caucasian women and at a BMI of 33 /198 pounds in Black women according to researchers.
  4. According to researchers in the study Body Size Perception Among African American Women, 56% of overweight women (BMI 25 or greater) and 40% of obese women (BMI 30 or greater) did not classify their body size as overweight, obese, or too fat. The cultural threshold for overweight was determined to be about a BMI of 35, which is higher than the medical definition of ≥25.
  5. Black women have the highest obesity prevalence of any demographic group and are more likely to underestimate their body weight than white women. According to new research from Rush University Medical Center, cultural norms for body size may prevent awareness among many Black women about the potential health benefits they and others in their cultural group might achieve through weight loss.

Why BMI Is Still Important For Black Women

BMI is not the only way to size up your shape. However, the BMI ranges are based on the relationship between body weight and disease and death, and knowing your number can be life-saving.

You May Also Like
Real Housewives Star Describes Terrifying Medical Experience!

Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases and health conditions, including the following:

Continue Reading

The Latest In Fitness Mix

lemon water benefits

7 Reasons To Drink More Lemon Water

Packed with nutrients including vitamins C and B, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and fiber, it’s no surprise that drinking lemon water would offer a host of benefits. Of course, the fact that stars like Beyoncé have sung its praises doesn’t read more about 7 Reasons To Drink More Lemon Water

Tracee Ellis Ross’ New Workout Video Shows ‘That Thang Still Thangin” at 48

One of actress Tracee Ellis Ross‘ latest workout videos got extra views thanks to an unidentified cameraman who seemingly stole the show. The reason why he was the main focus of the Instagram post was because fans were complimenting his read more about Tracee Ellis Ross’ New Workout Video Shows ‘That Thang Still Thangin” at 48
Toni Braxton body

Toni Braxton’s Secret to Timeless Beauty

Toni Braxton is the 54-year-old who refuses to age. Her 53-year-old body just keeps getting better and better everytime she shows it off. RELATED: Toni Braxton Shaves Head in Bikini and Proves 53 is the new 30 The eldest of the read more about Toni Braxton’s Secret to Timeless Beauty

DJ Printz Gets LIT With The May Music Mix (Workout Mix)

  This month's mix is a serious lituation! DJ Printz is providing you with an upbeat twerk tempo to perfectly fit your sweat session. Whether you're putting in work on the cardio machines or lifting heavy in the weight room, read more about DJ Printz Gets LIT With The May Music Mix (Workout Mix)

Stretch It Out To This Hip Hop and R&B Mix! (WORKOUT MIX)

This month's mix is providing a sexy soundtrack for your stretch session. Whether you're warming up, cooling down, or getting in a quick yoga session, BDO's March Mix by DJ Printz will get you right. Tracklist: Immature - Is it read more about Stretch It Out To This Hip Hop and R&B Mix! (WORKOUT MIX)

“Sleigh” Your Workouts With This Hip Hop and R&B Mix! (Workout Mix)

The temperature is dropping, but we're still bringing the heat with the December Workout Mix by DJ Printz! TRACKLIST: YG Feat 2 Chainz &  Big Sean- Big Bank (knock2 Remix ) Nelly- Ride WIth Me - (Lemi Vice & Action read more about “Sleigh” Your Workouts With This Hip Hop and R&B Mix! (Workout Mix)

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

Benefits of Oil Pulling

benefits of oil pulling

Pregnancy and Fibroids? 6 Facts Black Women Need To Know

Pregnancy and Fibroids

Actress Marsai Martin Diagnosed with Ovarian Cysts: “Pain is Not Normal”

Actress Marsai Martin Diagnosed with Ovarian Cysts: “Pain is Not Normal”

Relieve Bunion Pain Without Surgery

bunion pain

5 Ways to Tackle Your Sugar Cravings Instantly!

sugar cravings
Find a Culturally Sensitive Doctor

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

Resource Centers

  • Clinical Trials
  • Wellness on the Yard
  • Cancer
  • Immunocompromised Care
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2023, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.