Oxford Researcher Says Current BMI Formula may be Erroneous

An Oxford University researcher has questioned the basis for the current formula of body mass index, stating that it is wrong and has come out with a measurement formula of his own. According to Nick Trefethen, the current usage of BMI is wrong as it makes taller people seem fatter than they actually are while shorter people are classified as thinner than they are. The current system of weight measurement does not take into account the natural bulk that taller people have while overestimating the bulk of shorter people.

Professor Trefethen has developed a new formula on his own according to which a person’s weight in kilograms is multiplied by 1.3 with the answer being divided by the person’s height to the power of 2.5.

Trefethen was quick to say that while he does not want to force his new formula on to the agencies as being the correct one, the NHS has the duty to show on what basis are they calculating BMI. “The NHS relies on the BMI pervasively in all of its public discussions of obesity. We deserve an explanation of what justification they have for using this formula”, he said.


Source-Medindia