However, it is extremely important to realize that BMI isn’t all it’s been cracked up to be. As a matter of fact, it can be downright inaccurate and misleading. BMI is generally considered by many experts today to be a rather outdated concept for the simple reason that it fails to take into consideration many very important health factors, as well as body types that feature varying levels of muscle tissue.

For instance, what does BMI say about body builders or athletes who possess a very high level of muscle mass? It classifies them as “overweight” and unhealthy, when really they’re in better shape than average. It similarly places other groups who are naturally going to possess a lower level of muscle mass, such as elderly people or those who are petite by nature, in the underweight class where they don’t belong.

So is BMI accurate when it comes to the average Joe or Jane? After all, the great majority of the populace does not consist of muscle-bound bodybuilders or other extreme body types. Studies actually show that the answer there is still “no”. In fact, it can actually be a dangerous shortcut to rely on, as it ignores so many other factors that are much more important and telling as to a person’s overall health. There are just too many anomalies between even average bodies for this one simple calculation to accurately have everyone covered.

Far more accurate indicators as to whether or not an individual ought to gain or lose weight are measurements such as blood pressure, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and cholesterol level. The two key indicators are body fat percentage and waist circumference. Experts in the know say that these are the two most reliable clues as to a person’s overall health. An abundance of abdominal fat in particular is considered an important sign that an individual is especially susceptible to diabetes, heart disease, and other very serious ailments. (The current ideal waist measurements are under 40 inches for males and under 35 inches for females.)

So instead of relying on your BMI calculator to guide you when it comes to deciding what to do in regards to your own weight, invest in a measuring tape or learn how to calculate body fat instead! It’s ultimately a much smarter choice and a much more accurate indicator of where you and your health stand at a given moment.