Obesity Statistics and the Problem with BMI

At Georgia Personal Training, we pride ourselves on providing the most elite personal training services in Metro Atlanta. Since 2008, we have strived to provide the most effective, cutting edge, science-based training in the area at the most affordable prices. Our training programs include weight loss, fat reduction, sports performance training, speed and agility, physique sculpting, metabolic conditioning, physical therapy, injury prevention, nutritional coaching, yoga, kickboxing, and more.

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Many of our clients have fitness goals that include losing weight. Their doctors have told them they’ve hit a weight level that is considered obese and it can impact their health. So, they come to us with the goal to lose weight and reduce their body fat.

And, it’s something we can definitely help with through our customized personal training.

First, however, it’s important to clarify some things about BMI, also known as your Body Mass Index, and why we can’t use it as the sole measuring tool for your personal results.

The body mass index uses your height and weight to estimate the level of fat in your body. A BMI higher than 25 indicates that you’re overweight, and when it’s over 30, it indicates obesity. Although it is helpful as a guide, there are other reasons to look beyond this metric.

First, BMI doesn’t consider your muscle. In some cases, you may weigh more for your height than usual because you have more muscle. And, muscle tissue is denser than fat.

Second, BMI doesn’t measure body fat. Some people who show a normal weight for their height still may carry way too much body fat than is healthy.

Third, BMI doesn’t take into account where the fat is stored. For example, if a person has a high BMI but carries it in the hips and rear may not be at as serious of a health risk compared to someone who has the same BMI but stores that fat in the belly.

Finally, BMI can be unresponsive. Even if you significantly change your exercise routine and diet, your BMI won’t reflect that until the pounds start coming off, so that can be discouraging.