Body mass index does not provide an adequate assessment of the weight

Researchers concluded that the formula body mass index, which determines the degree of obesity does not give an accurate result.

Experts have found that formula, which is recognized to determine the extent to which the masses of people, and its growth - body mass index, is not as accurate as had been assumed.
To check the accuracy of the formula, the researchers conducted a study involving nearly 1,400 people. Comparing the results obtained with scanning, which allows to know the exact amount of fat, muscle mass and bone density, Dr. Eric Breyverman of Weill Cornell Medical School and Dr. Nir Shah found that 50% of women and one in four male index did not match reality.

Note that according to the formula of 26% of obese subjects, the scan also helped to clarify what is really suffering from obesity 65% ​​of volunteers.

Scientists have noted that muscle mass is lost with age, and the formula does not account for the differences between fat and muscle, so to get an accurate result, they recommend using a blood test for levels of the hormone leptin, which is associated with adipose tissue.