Despite BMI being used widely by medical doctors, BMI is outdated and lacks inclusivity due to different limitations:
- Lack of diversity
- Oversimplification
- Metabolic health is ignored
- Negative consequences of BMI usage

Limitations of Body Mass Index (BMI) as a Health Metric 

A Body Mass Index (BMI) chart is a visual tool that illustrates weight status categories by plotting an individual's weight against their height. The chart typically uses a horizontal axis for weight (in both pounds and kilograms) and a vertical axis for height (in both feet/inches and meters). The area of the chart is divided into distinct, often colored, regions that correspond to the primary BMI classifications: underweight, normal range, overweight, and obese.

BMI Chart

An individual is classified as underweight if their Body Mass Index (BMI) is less than 18.5. For example, on a standard BMI chart, this category can range from a person who is 4'11" and weighs 90 pounds to someone who is 6'6" and weighs up to approximately 160 pounds.

Underweight (BMI < 18.5)

The normal or healthy weight range is defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 25. As an illustration from a BMI chart, this range could include a person at 4'11" weighing between 90 and 120 pounds, or a person at 6'6" weighing between 160 and 220 pounds.

Normal Weight Range (BMI 18.5-25)

An adult is considered overweight if their Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25 and 30. For instance, on a standard BMI chart, this category can apply to a person who is 4'11" and weighs between 120-140 pounds, or a person who is 6'6" and weighs between 220-265 pounds.

Overweight (BMI 25-30)

An adult is classified as obese if their Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or higher. As an example from a BMI chart, this category could include an individual at 4'11" weighing between 140 and 350 pounds, or an individual at 6'6" weighing between 265 and 350 pounds.

Obese (BMI > 30)

An individual is 1.75 meters tall and weighs 70 kilograms. Using the standard formula where the final value is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters, what is this individual's Body Mass Index (BMI), rounded to one decimal place?

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure utilized by medical doctors to determine if an individual is obese. It uses the formula of weight (kg) divided by height (m^2) squared.

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Obesity is characterized by an individual weighing more than what's defined as a "healthy" weight for their gender and height. It can be broken into three classifications based on Body Mass Index (BMI):
- Overweight
- Obese
- Severe Obesity 

Obesity 

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). APA Dictionary of Psychology. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/ 

APA Dictionary of Psychology

According to the CDC, severe obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher. This classification is typically used for individuals whose excess weight puts them at a significant risk for death.

Severe Obesity 

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Being extremely overweight or obese serves as a significant risk factor for a variety of negative health outcomes. These potential consequences include, but are not limited to, an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, liver disease, sleep apnea, infertility, arthritis, and certain types of cancer such as colon and breast cancer.

Health Consequences of Overweight and Obesity

The prevalence of being overweight or obese is a major public health concern in the United States. According to 2018 CDC estimates, approximately 40% of the adult population is obese. Furthermore, nearly three-quarters of all adults and one out of every six children are classified as overweight.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in the United States

The primary recommended approach for managing and improving health related to body weight involves a combination of diet and exercise. However, these methods are not universally successful. For individuals who do not achieve weight loss through these means or whose obesity presents a life-threatening risk, more intensive medical interventions like bariatric surgery may be considered.

Treatment for Obesity

Read the following scenario. Analyze the potential interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors that could be contributing to Alex's weight gain.

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