BODY MASS INDEX AS A NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT TOOL: LIMITATIONS AND CHALLENGES IN THE CLASSIFICATION OF HEALTH STATUS

Authors

Keywords:

BMI, obesity, limitations

Abstract

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used tool to assess nutritional status and classify individuals based on their body weight. Its simplicity and accessibility have facilitated its implementation in both clinical and public health settings, enabling the detection of issues such as obesity and underweight. This study was conducted through a comprehensive review of scientific literature from recognized databases, analyzing the advantages and limitations of BMI compared to other tools, such as waist circumference. BMI has significant limitations in individual assessments, as it does not differentiate between muscle and fat mass nor consider fat distribution, potentially distorting an individual's weight-related health risks. The incorporation of complementary measures is essential for a more accurate evaluation and to address the diversity of metabolic risks. This article highlights the need to adopt multidimensional approaches in nutritional assessment in clinical practice

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Published

12/20/2025

How to Cite

Flores Fiallos, S. L. ., Flores Jaramillo, E. O. ., & Flores Fiallos, A. L. (2025). BODY MASS INDEX AS A NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT TOOL: LIMITATIONS AND CHALLENGES IN THE CLASSIFICATION OF HEALTH STATUS. RedCiencia 360, 1(1), 74-81. https://redciencia360-redicalc.org/index.php/redciencia360/article/view/17