Body mass index (BMI) measurements may not always be an accurate reflection of body fat, according to researchers from Michigan State University and Saginaw Valley State University.
Using the traditional BMI equation of weight divided by height squared, the researchers measured more than 400 college students, and found that those with a BMI of 25 or above, (which is considered to be overweight for an adult) and those with a measurement of 30 or above, (which is considered to be obese for an adult)—didn't necessarily have a high amount of body fat when using other body fat measurement techniques.
Authors of the study point to another study of NFL football players that concluded that those with a high percentage of muscle mass—not fat—have high BMIs related to the muscle. Because it is fat and not muscle mass that leads to risk for heart disease, diabetes and other weight related problems, the researchers believe that we should be cautious when using the same BMI cutoff points for those who have too much body fat versus those with a high percentage of muscle mass.