The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

While I've long been a critic of the BMI (Body Mass Index), I was still shocked to see my latest such score when stepping on the scale at a recent doctor's appointment. At 5'9'', I weighed 200 lbs., which translates to a BMI score of 30, and registers as borderline obese according to the BMI chart. When looking at the increasingly popular waist-to-height ratio, as I have a 32'' waist, I registered at a 46.38, which is categorized as "healthy." Not only that, but my score was closer to "healthy slim" (42%) than "overweight" (53%). For one to be considered "obese," their ratio has to be at least 63%. Lastly, I checked out a body fat calculator. My numbers resulted in a score of 10.99%, which is categorized as "athletes," less than half the percentage of what is considered to be "obese" (25%+). So, let me get this straight. According to the traditional BMI chart, I'm borderline obese. Accordi...

I question the Body Mass Index (BMI) sometimes, for the simple fact that it doesn't take muscle into consideration and muscle weighs more than fat. According to the BMI, most professional athletes are either overweight or obese. Shaquille O'Neal is obese. I doubt the people whom stand by BMI would want to tell Shaq that. One of quickest players in the NFL, Michael Vick, is considered overweight. The only players that aren't overweight or obese are the place kickers and punters (with Sebastian Janikowski being the exception). So, how does this work? If one is too fat, then they're considered overweight or obese. But, if one is in too good of shape, then they're also considered overweight or obese. So, what's the secret formula? Just the right amount of muscle and fat? Or would the chart be completely different if they actually put muscle into the equation? What are they trying to do, though? Seriously? Make most everyone paranoid about their weight, whether t...