Fresh scientific inquiries suggest that the proportion of body fat serves as a more accurate gauge of overall health than Body Mass Index (BMI). The scholars involved in the study strongly endorse the adoption of equipment capable of measuring body fat percentage in medical clinics across Israel.
A team of researchers from the School of Public Health at TAU’s Faculty of Medicine scrutinized the anthropometric statistics of nearly 3,000 Israeli male and female subjects. Their findings highlight that the percentage of body fat is a more reliable criterion for evaluating general health and the risk of cardiometabolic conditions, as compared to the widely recognized BMI index. As a result, they advocate for the incorporation of specialized equipment to measure body fat percentage in medical facilities throughout Israel.
The study, which is the most expansive of its kind ever undertaken in Israel, was spearheaded by Prof. Yftach Gepner and Ph.D. candidate Yair Lahav, in collaboration with Aviv Kfir. The research utilized data collected by the Yair Lahav Nutrition Center in Tel Aviv and was disseminated in the academic journal Frontiers in Nutrition.
Prof. Gepner states, “Israel ranks prominently in instances of childhood obesity, and over 60% of its adult populace is categorized as overweight based on BMI. Although BMI, calculated from weight and height dimensions, is generally considered a reliable health marker, it is essential to understand that the authentic criterion for obesity is the body’s fat composition, with the upper limit of normalcy set at 25% for males and 35% for females. Exceeding these values categorizes an individual as obese, posing them at risk for an array of severe cardiometabolic conditions like heart diseases, diabetes, fatty liver, kidney issues, among others. This discrepancy between BMI and body fat percentage has led to the ‘paradox of normal-weight obesity’— individuals with normal weight but a higher than typical body fat percentage. Our study sought to understand the extent of this phenomenon among Israeli adults.”
The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of anthropometric data, inclusive of BMI scores, DXA scans (X-ray technology used to determine body composition), and cardiometabolic blood markers. Approximately one-third of the participants, totaling around 1,000 individuals, fell within the conventional weight bracket. Among these, 38.5% of females and 26.5% of males were labeled as ‘obese despite normal weight,’ demonstrating excessive fat content notwithstanding their standard weight. A correlation was observed between ‘obesity despite normal weight’ and elevated levels of blood sugar, fats, and cholesterol, all of which are high-risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. In contrast, 30% of males and 10% of females identified as overweight displayed a normal body fat percentage.
Prof. Gepner concluded, “Our observations were rather unsettling. The frequency of normal-weight obesity in Israel is much higher than initially estimated. Furthermore, these individuals are often overlooked due to existing reliance on BMI, leading them to miss out on necessary medical guidance, thereby putting them at escalated risk for cardiometabolic conditions.”
The study’s conclusive recommendations advocate for body fat percentage to supersede BMI as the principal health standard. They also recommend the utilization of straightforward and readily available tools for measuring body fat, such as skinfold thickness assessments and electronic devices that measure body’s electrical conductivity, commonly available at fitness centers.
Prof. Gepner emphasized, “We discovered that body fat percentage is a vastly more reliable metric for general health than BMI. We hence strongly recommend that clinics be fitted with appropriate devices for body fat measurement, with a view to making it the authoritative standard for health evaluation, not just in Israel but globally, as a means to avert illnesses and premature mortality.”
Reference: “The paradox of normal-weight obesity; a cross-sectional study” by Yair Lahav, Aviv Kfir and Yftach Gepner, 9 June 2023, Frontiers in Nutrition.
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1173488
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Body fat percentage vs BMI
What is the primary focus of the new research study?
The primary focus of the new research study is to compare the efficacy of Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat percentage as indicators of general health and risk for cardiometabolic conditions. The researchers advocate for body fat percentage to be considered a more reliable health metric.
Who conducted the study?
The study was conducted by a team from the School of Public Health within the Faculty of Medicine at TAU, led by Prof. Yftach Gepner and Ph.D. candidate Yair Lahav, in collaboration with Aviv Kfir.
How many participants were involved in the study?
Approximately 3,000 Israeli men and women participated in the study, providing anthropometric data that included BMI scores, DXA scans, and cardiometabolic blood markers.
What are the key findings of the study?
The study found that about one-third of the participants who fell within the normal weight range based on BMI were actually obese when assessed based on their body fat percentage. This obesity was also correlated with high levels of blood sugar, fat, and cholesterol.
What are the recommendations of the researchers?
The researchers recommend that body fat percentage should supersede BMI as the principal standard for evaluating health. They also advocate for the incorporation of specialized equipment to measure body fat percentage in medical facilities across Israel.
What tools are recommended for measuring body fat percentage?
The researchers suggest using skinfold measurements that estimate body fat based on the thickness of the fat layer under the skin and electronic devices that measure the body’s electrical conductivity.
What risks are associated with high body fat percentage?
High body fat percentage is associated with a range of potentially life-threatening cardiometabolic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver, kidney dysfunction, and more.
Where was the study published?
The study was published in the academic journal Frontiers in Nutrition and is dated June 9, 2023.
What is the ‘paradox of normal-weight obesity’?
The ‘paradox of normal-weight obesity’ refers to the phenomenon where individuals have a normal weight according to BMI but have a higher-than-typical body fat percentage. This group is often overlooked in medical assessments, placing them at greater risk for cardiometabolic diseases.
Are there any alarming statistics related to obesity in Israel?
Yes, the study notes that Israel is a leader in childhood obesity, and more than 60% of the country’s adults are defined as overweight based on the prevailing BMI index.
More about Body fat percentage vs BMI
- Frontiers in Nutrition: Original Study Publication
- TAU’s School of Public Health: Research Division
- Cardiometabolic Health: An Overview
- BMI vs Body Fat Percentage: A Comparative Study
- Tools for Measuring Body Fat Percentage
- Israel Health Statistics: Obesity and Overweight Rates
- Cardiometabolic Diseases: Risk Factors and Prevention
7 comments
Very informative article. But it’s a little alarming that this issue isn’t widely recognized. We need to act fast, especially with childhood obesity on the rise.
Never trusted BMI. Just because you’re not overweight doesn’t mean you’re healthy. Finally, some science to prove it.
I’ve always said BMI is outdated! Good to see some science backing it up. So what’s the best way to measure body fat at home?
hold on, a third of people with normal weight are actually obese? That’s huge. We definitely need better public awareness on this.
So basically, I could be “skinny fat” and not even know it? That’s kinda scary to think about, especially with the health risks.
This could be a game changer in the health industry. Time to update those old methods.
Wow, this is eye-opening! Always thought BMI was the end-all be-all. Maybe its time to invest in a good body fat scale, huh?