Here are my answers to what I expect will be frequently asked questions as this blog grows.
Q 1: Do you think weight is the only determinant of health?
A: No. I believe many factors determine how healthy you are, including diet, physical activity, mental health, genetics and probably stuff we don’t even know about. My purpose on this blog is not to say who’s healthy and who’s not. I can’t do that just by looking at a picture anyway. My purpose is to expand our views on what healthy women can look like—to say, this is what science says (only regarding weight), and this is what it looks like.
Q 2: Why do you mention the BMI scale so much? Don’t you know it doesn’t work for everyone?
A: According to the expert commentary I’ve seen, the BMI scale works for most people. Here’s an article we published on it at the Web site I edit. The BMI scale may not be perfect, but it works well for my purposes. I don’t really care to chase people down with a fat caliper.
Q 3: What is BMI?
A: From the CDC:
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
I believe that many people have a skewed view of their weight—and what healthy can look like. Here’s a nifty calculator from the CDC. Don’t be scared! Try it. (If you prefer a chart, click here.)
DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor. No information on this blog is meant to be individual advice.
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