Body fat predicts major health risk that BMI misses, researchers say
Body mass index (BMI) may not be the most accurate predictor of death risk.
A new study from the University of Florida found that BMI — a measurement that is commonly used to determine whether a person's weight is in a healthy range for their height — is "deeply flawed" in terms of predicting mortality.
Instead, one's level of body fat is "far more accurate," concluded the study, which was published this week in the Annals of Family Medicine.
To measure participants' body fat, the researchers used a method called bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which uses a device to measure the resistance of body tissue to a small electrical current.
Over a 15-year period, those who had high body fat were found to be 78% more likely to die than those who had healthy body fat levels, researchers found.
They were also more than three times as likely to die of heart disease, the study noted.
BMI — which is calculated by dividing weight by height, squared — was described as "entirely unreliable" in predicting the risk of death over a 15-year period from any cause.
The study included 4,252 people in the U.S. and pulled data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
BMI should not be relied upon as a "vital sign" of health, according to senior author Frank Orlando, M.D., medical director of UF Health Family Medicine in Springhill.
"I'm a family physician, and on a regular basis, we're faced with patients who have diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other conditions that are related to obesity," Orlando said in a press release for the study.
"One of the routine measures we take alongside traditional vital signs is BMI. We use BMI to screen for a person having an issue with their body composition, but it's not as accurate for everyone as vital signs are," he added.
BMI has been the international standard for measuring obesity since the 1980s, according to many sources, though some experts have questioned its validity.
"I think the study shows it's time to go to an alternative that is now proven to be far better at the job."
An individual is considered obese if their BMI is 30 or above, overweight if it is between 25 and 29.9, of "normal" weight in the range of 18.5 to 24.9, or underweight if lower than 18.5.
While BMI is easy to calculate, one of its main limitations is that it cannot distinguish between muscle and fat mass, the researchers noted.
"For example, people who are bodybuilders can really elevate their body mass index," Orlando said. "But they're healthy even with a BMI indicating that they're obese."
"BMI is just so ingrained in how we think about body fat," Mainous added. "I think the study shows it's time to go to an alternative that is now proven to be far better at the job."
Other methods, such as a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan, may be even more accurate than BIA, but are much more expensive and not as accessible, the researchers noted.
"If you talk to obesity researchers, they're going to say you have to use the DEXA scan because it's the most accurate," Mainous said in the release. "And that's probably true. But it's never going to be viable in a doctor's office or family practice."
Dr. Stephen Vogel — a family medicine physician with PlushCare, a virtual health platform with primary care, therapy and weight management options — echoed the limitations of BMI.
"It has been an easy measurement tool that helps us understand at-risk groups across various populations and demographics, but it doesn't provide accurate data from patient to patient," the North Carolina-based doctor, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.
"These findings don't challenge the assumptions about BMI — they strengthen the message that new standards, delivered in a consistent and low-cost way, would provide better nuance for the individual when it comes to their overall physical health."
"The main strengths of this study are a better correlation to an individual's risk of morbidity and mortality — however, the limitations lie in the fact that we don't have enough data to determine the right cutoff for these numbers, or to identify the right tools that will be both accurate and precise across the population," Vogel said.
The researchers also acknowledged that body fat percentage thresholds haven't yet been as standardized as BMI and waist circumference.
Also, the age range of the participants in the study was limited by the data source.
"Future studies should extend this comparison of body fat to BMI in older adults," the researchers wrote.
The study was also limited by focusing only on mortality as an outcome, they noted, without taking into account any developing diseases — such as heart failure or cancer — that could deepen the understanding of body fat as a risk factor.
The goal, according to Vogel, is to have a cost-effective, consistent method that can be used across the population with reliable accuracy.
"These data will drive better discussions in the doctor's office, as well as public health initiatives with the goal of improving the health of all."
"Benefits would come in the form of a more detailed list of information that helps providers and patients make informed decisions about the patient's health, which is ideal," Vogel noted.
"I'm hopeful there's enough buzz around these measures that steps will continue to be taken toward regular implementation."
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
The researchers are hopeful that once standards are validated, measuring body fat percentage with bioelectrical impedance analysis could become standard of care.
They added, "These data will drive better discussions in the doctor's office, as well as public health initiatives with the goal of improving the health of all."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Is Running Really THAT Bad On Your Knees? The Answer May Surprise You.
You're probably familiar with the idea that running is bad for your knees. It's a pervasive thought that keeps many folks from going out for a jog. Some people say running is hard on your joints while others say the impact can cause arthritis. Is this true? Or is running just a fitness regimen with a bad rap? Thanks to recent research, doctors now have a more full view of running's impact on the knees (and other joints). Below, doctors shared with HuffPost their thoughts on whether running is safe for your knees. 'Anybody that already has arthritis or any other type of medical condition or orthopedic problem should probably consult with their doctor to ensure that running is safe for them,' said Dr. Jeffrey Fleming, a sports medicine physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the medical director of the Pittsburgh Marathon. There are lots of restrictions and symptoms associated with arthritis and injuries, and they vary greatly from person to person. 'We want to make sure that we're treating each individual person appropriately,' Fleming said. If you notice sharp pain or even a dull pain in the joints after each run, you should see a doctor before you continue your running regimen, added Dr. A.J. Monseau, an emergency medicine and sports medicine physician at West Virginia University. This way, a doctor can figure out what is going on before a larger issue happens. 'I think there's good evidence at this point that running can actually improve cartilage health to some extent, as long as we are not injuring ourselves,' Monseau said. Healthy cartilage allows your joints and bones to function properly and in a painless manner by lubricating the joints and absorbing the shock that happens when you move around. This way, your bones don't directly feel the impact. Running can also 'help strengthen the muscles and the bones around the knees,' according to Dr. Sean Thompson, an orthopedic surgeon and owner of East Coast Bone and Joint Surgeons. '[Running] can help prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone density,' Thompson shows that exercise like running can help build strong bones. Folks with osteoporosis have weak or brittle bones because of a loss of bone density. It's particularly common in women who are postmenopausal. The loss of estrogen that happens in menopause can also cause a loss of bone density. As Thompson mentioned, exercise, particularly before menopause (but during menopause is valuable, too), can help build up bone density and give folks higher levels of bone density when the estrogen loss does begin. A common misconception is that running can lead to knee arthritis, but experts say that isn't accurate. 'If you look at the most recent research that we have on this subject, the short answer to that question is we don't think that running causes arthritis in your knees,' Fleming said. Some evidence even shows that recreational runners are sometimes less likely to develop arthritis when compared to non-runners, Fleming said, but added that it's unclear if it's the running that leads to a less arthritis incidence or the healthier lifestyle that's often followed by runners,such as a healthier diet and a dedicated workout regimen. 'Strengthening the muscles around the knee, like the quads or the gluteal ... muscles, and especially the core muscles, can help to prevent injury from running, especially when you're first starting,' Thompson said. This aligns with the activity recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine, which recommend strength and resistance training in addition to cardiovascular exercise, said Monseau. If you haven't exercised for some time or are nervous about potential joint pain, there are a few things you can do to decrease the risk of pain. First, you should consider doing a warm-up. 'That is a completely personal thing. If your body and your knees and your hips and everything feel good after a rather gentle warm-up for even a few minutes, that's probably sufficient for you, but some people find that they need longer time of warming up before they really get after it,' said Monseau. You should also start training gradually, said Fleming. Meaning, if you are a new runner who's training for a half-marathon, you shouldn't go out and try to run 5 miles without building up. 'We often see people develop injuries whenever they start preparing for a marathon, and often it's because they're doing too much too soon,' Fleming said. 'The other big thing that can help prevent injury or help prevent arthritis is just making sure that you're using an appropriate running form and you have the appropriate equipment — you have a decent pair of running shoes,' said Fleming. 'These are all pretty simple things, but if you overlook them, and you run in a way that doesn't support these things, you can definitely develop some pain and have a greater risk for injury and arthritis down the line.' You can talk to anyone from a sports medicine physician to personal trainer to physical therapist about proper running form and proper running gear. Many towns even have dedicated running stores you can visit for shoe fittings and advice. Running on softer surfaces such as a track or on the grass can be a good option, said Thompson. Research shows that there's less impact on your joints when running on these kinds of surfaces. 'If there are limitations that don't allow the individual to run, even walking at a brisk pace or incline walking can show similar benefits to running,' Thompson said. 'The general rule of thumb that I often tell people is movement is so important for overall health, and I'm not very picky in terms of what type of movement you go out and get, whether that's running or cycling or weightlifting, just as long as you're doing something,' said Fleming. 'So, if running is something you want to do, I fully encourage you to give it a try, as long as it'll help you move more,' he added. Beyond the benefit to your joint health, running is also good for your mental health and your cardiovascular health. Plus, regular physical activity (like running) can lower your risk of dementia and certain cancers. So, the benefits of running on your health potentially outweigh any of the joint or arthritis risks you hear about, Fleming said. Running Experts Reveal The Foods They Avoid For A Poop-Free Run 'Rucking' Is The Latest Walking Trend You Need To Try. Here's Why. Study Reveals How Much Exercise Older Adults Need Each Week To Live Longer
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
I'm An ER Physician. Here Are 5 Types Of Pain I'd Never Ignore.
When it comes to severe medical situations, emergency medicine doctors see it all. They're the physicians who folks of all ages rush to when something serious goes wrong. But just what does 'serious' mean? What kinds of pain constitute a visit to the emergency department? Experts say that it's a hard question to answer. 'Unfortunately, it can be so variable from patient to patient, and sometimes people that even have minor pain may have something very serious going on. So [pain is] not something that anybody should ignore,' said Dr. Michael Turturro, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Meaning, you should take pain seriously and see a doctor if you have any concerns. It's better to be told nothing is wrong than to regret not seeing a medical professional sooner. (We know there are financial considerations that come along with this — more on that below.) While all pain is worth taking seriously, experts told HuffPost there are certain pains that are generally across-the-board alarming and reason enough for medical attention. Here's what they are: 'Generally, pain that is sudden and severe and does not go away is something that should really get your attention,' Turturro said. This goes for pain anywhere on your body, he noted. A medical professional will need to evaluate the pain and determine if it's serious or not, but if you have a sudden and alarming new pain, it's a good idea to get it checked out and not to ignore it. 'We'd rather people err on the side of caution,' Turturro added. 'If they're concerned enough that they feel something is not right and they need to be evaluated, then they should be evaluated whether or not it's related to something serious or not.' Say you're worried about new hand pain that came out of nowhere. Instead of brushing it off, consider seeing a doctor. 'If it's concerning enough that it is troubling to you, and particularly if it's a pain you've never experienced before, that's something you should really consider getting urgent medical attention for,' he added. Chest pain is often (and rightfully) associated with heart attacks, which makes this type of pain important to take seriously. 'Chest pain is definitely a concerning one to us. If people are developing that sudden onset of chest pain, something they've never felt before, or they've had it before [and] they've been told that they have heart problems, they should be checked out sooner rather than later,' said Dr. Mark Conroy, emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Turturro said chest pain is particularly worrisome in older people and for folks who have risk factors for heart disease, such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. Beyond heart attacks, sharp chest pain could also mean other serious issues, such as a blood clot in the lung or a tear of major vessels in the chest, Turturro said. But it's impossible to say exactly what chest pain could signify in one person versus another, and it isn't always serious. 'Chest pain could be rather related to very benign causes as well, such as heartburn,' Turturro added. Since lots of things can manifest as chest pain, you shouldn't totally panic, but you also shouldn't discount your chest pain (or, once again, any pain). Instead, you should see a doctor who can determine what's going on. According to Conroy, lower leg pain, specifically in the calf, can be worrisome when it's accompanied by leg swelling and/or redness of the calf. 'I always get concerned that they might have the concerning symptoms for a blood clot, or what we call a DVT, deep venous thrombosis,' Conroy said. 'That would be a concerning pain that I would definitely want someone to get seen sooner rather than later for, especially if they recently had surgery and they've been just laying in bed, or ... they had a long plane ride recently,' he noted. Back pain is a common affliction that can happen in a number of scenarios, such as sleeping in a bad position, working out improperly, sitting in a chair that doesn't provide support and more. While it's always worth taking care of your back pain, there is one specific type that Conroy said needs medical attention. If you have back pain that feels like a tearing sensation through your upper back or at the back of the chest,you should see a professional as soon as possible. 'Having that tearing sensation can represent a problem with the main large blood vessel in your body, called the aorta,' Conroy said. 'The abdomen is one of those [pains] I think every emergency physician gets a little bit nervous about because there's just so many things that can go on,' Conroy said. 'So instead of specific conditions, it's really more, how are the symptoms presenting?' 'If you're having abdominal pain, or what we call flank pain ... kind of the right or left portion of your lower back or lower abdomen, then certainly that could be concerning for things like kidney stones, or if you're having fevers with it, it can be a kidney infection,' he said. It could also be appendicitis if the flank pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, Conroy added. If you have this kind of lower abdominal pain along with any of the above problematic symptoms, it's a good idea to see a doctor quickly. While going to the doctor, and especially an emergency medicine department, can feel foreboding, you should never ignore or dismiss your pain. Seeing a doctor about an alarming problem is the best move for your health, even if the pain ends up being nothing at all — which is the ideal outcome. 'It may be that you get a brief evaluation, you get some kind of screening labs or screening tests, and hopefully, some reassurance that the worst-case scenario is not what's going on,' Conroy said. It can certainly be frustrating to hear nothing is wrong while still having to pay for health care costs, particularly if you're paying emergency room prices, which tend to be much higher than routine visits or scheduled specialist visits. If you need fast medical attention but not emergent medical attention, you can consider visiting your local urgent care, which tends to be cheaper than a visit to the ER. You can also call your primary care provider's office to see if they have after-hours or last-minute appointments available, which would also be cheaper than an ER visit. That said, certain issues do require immediate emergency department visits and are worth the cost for your safety. Urgent care staff or your doctor should be able to help you determine if emergency care is needed — and, if you're not sure if you need emergent attention, it's best to go to the ER. I'm A Colorectal Cancer Doctor. Here Are 5 Things I'd Never Do. If Your Stomach Pain Feels Like This, It's Time To Go To The ER 7 Things ER Doctors Say You Should Always Do After A Fall
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Patients are kept away and seen as an 'inconvenience', says NHS boss
The NHS has built "mechanisms to keep the public away" as patients are seen as an "inconvenience", according to the new NHS boss. The incoming head of NHS England, Sir Jim Mackey, has given his first interview since taking up the role as chief executive. Sir Jim told The Telegraph that the health service is clinging on to many "fossilised" practices, some of which have barely changed since its inception in 1948. READ MORE: Friends left stunned at Manchester Airport after landing £24,000 in terminal READ MORE: Workers at trendy new neighbourhood development make amazing discovery His statement comes as he prepares to implement a 10-year health plan to be published by the government next week. Knighted in 2019 for his contributions to healthcare, Sir Jim expressed to The Telegraph: "We've made it really hard, and we've probably all been on the end of it." "You've got a relative in hospital, so you're ringing a number on a ward that no-one ever answers. "The ward clerk only works nine to five or they're busy doing other stuff; the GP practice scramble every morning. "It feels like we've built mechanisms to keep the public away because it's an inconvenience." Sir Jim issued a stark warning about the consequences of this growing divide between NHS services and the public, suggesting it could lead to the demise of the public health service altogether. "The big worry is, if we don't grab that, and we don't deal with it with pace, we'll lose the population," he cautioned in his interview. "If we lose the population, we've lost the NHS. "For me, it's straightforward. The two things are completely dependent on each other." The government's 10-year health plan will aim at improving NHS services through relocating patient care from hospitals to community-based health centres, a greater use of digital tools, and preventive care. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said on Wednesday the plan will also aim to "address one of the starkest health inequalities", which he claims is the unequal access to information and choice when it comes to healthcare. Sir Jim told the Telegraph: "We've got to somehow re-orientate it; think about how do we find people who need us, how do we stop thinking 'it's going to be a pain in the arse if you turn up because I'm quite busy' and instead think about how do we find out what you need and get it sorted." Sir Jim added his concerns are driven by his own traumatic experience of NHS services, when his father died in a hospital locally known for its poor standards of care. He told the paper: "My dad died in a hospital where the local folklore was terrible about the hospital, but the hospital was deaf to it and didn't know what was actually being said. "I wasn't long into the NHS, it was a long time ago now, and I felt really powerless. "I found out too late that the clinical community knew the guy who looked after him wasn't as good as I would have wanted him to be. "I'll carry that for the rest of my life. "In an effort to take pressure off hospitals and cut down waiting lists, the government previously announced that 85 new mental health emergency departments will be built across England. The 85 units will be funded by £120 million secured in the Spending Review, the Department of Health and Social Care said. Open24 hours a day, seven days a week, they will be staffed by specialist nurses and doctors. Patients who need help will be able to walk in, or will be able to be referred by their GP. Under the new plans, mental health patients will also be able to self-refer for talking therapies using the NHS App. The new measures could also pave the way for AI-driven virtual support, according to the Department of Health and Social Care. Mr Streeting also unveiled plans to divert more than £2 billion in NHS spending to working class communities.
