Weighing in on the BMI Index | Video

Amy Fox | 1/3/2013

For years, having a high body mass index was considered to be a bad thing. But that may not be the case anymore.

People at the gym are trying to get in shape and stay physically fit. And, after they`re all done working out, it`s time to weigh in on their body mass.

"It`s a comparison of your height to your weight,” said Trinity Health Sports Physician Dawn Mattern. “And, then we can take that number and put it through a calculation and kind of come up with a number."

"Then we can categorize them by whether they are underweight, normal weight or obese. Then, that is an indicator for us to ask more questions," said Trinity Health Clinical Dietician Kayla Wahlin.

A normal BMI range is 16-24. Anything over 30 means you`re obese. But, according to a new study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, a high BMI may lead to a longer life.

"All it asks is your height, your weight and if you`re male or female. It doesn`t ask if you`re a couch potato or if you`re a power lifter or a body builder or anything like that," said Mattern.

While some physicians say they don`t pay much attention to BMIs, that doesn`t mean you can reach for that extra donut just yet. “That doesn`t mean we should aim for the overweight category,” said Mattern. “What that means is how long we live and how healthy we are has many factors. It`s not just weight."

Mattern adds that it`s not all about the numbers on the scale. It’s about making a healthy lifestyle change. "It doesn`t matter your body mass index. It’s how long you`re exercising, how long you are up and moving is a better predicament of your overall life,” she said. "I do think we will eventually give it less respect and we won`t focus as much on a BMI."

The next time you shed another tear about your BMI, remember body mass is only one factor when it comes to your health.

Under the current BMI index, Mattern says Denver Broncos Quarterback Peyton Manning is considered obese. But, muscle weighs more than fat.

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