BMI Results

As people begin to age BMI numbers may alter dramatically. This difference can be recognized to a variety of reasons, including changes in body composition, muscle mass, and fat distribution.

BMI varies greatly in children and young adults as they grow and develop. BMI levels are often compared to age- and gender-specific percentiles. The BMIs for children may rise during growth spurts, which is typical if they remain within the healthy percentile range for their age and gender.

While the BMI for young adults and adults is stable, it is key to realize that as age changes, the interpretation of BMI changes too. As people age, muscle mass begins to decline, and generally gain more body fat. This can result in higher BMI results, which may or may not indicate bad health. Elderly people may also have their BMI impacted as they begin to lose bone density.

Sometimes BMI is not the greatest indicator of health since it doesn’t provide all the necessary details to assess someone’s health. For example, in older adults BMI may be more difficult to interpret since older folks may have a higher BMI due to age-related changes in body composition, which doesn’t always relate to poor health. With elderly people, it is recommended to look at factors such as functional ability, physical strength, and general well-being and not just BMI.

As you look at the BMI for different age groups, remember to be aware of the characteristics of each age group. You should look at other metrics such as waist circumference, body composition, and lifestyle choices for younger adults. With older folks, look at functional ability, muscle mass, and general well-being for overall health. While BMI is important for assessing overall health in young adults and adults it should not be the only indicator of overall health.

BMI is a useful metric for overall health, but the interpretation varies greatly between age groups. When you look at BMI as a single health indicator, you should also look at the individual characteristics of each age group. Though it is an easy-to-use and calculate metric, BMI should not be the only metric used when looking at overall health.