Rethinking Health: Why Weight Isn’t Everything

This article is medically reviewed by Dr Valery Feigin | Professor of Neurology & Epidemiology and Director of NISAN (National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences), Auckland University of Technology.

When it comes to health, many of us instinctively look to the number on the scale as our primary measure of well-being. But what if this number is only part of the story? Focusing solely on weight can be misleading, leaving out crucial details about our overall health. Let’s dive into why it’s time to broaden our perspective and embrace a more comprehensive approach to health.

Limitations of Traditional Body Scales

We all know the drill: step on the scale, hold your breath, and hope for a good number. However, all we get is our weight, which may not accurately reflect our health status. This is because it doesn’t account for variations in factors such as muscle mass and fat percentage.

Weight vs Body Composition

Here is why understanding body composition is essential. Two individuals might weigh the same but have entirely different body compositions, looking and feeling completely different. Body composition refers to the proportions of fat, muscle, and other tissues in your body. Understanding what your weight is made up of can provide valuable insights into your health and fitness goals.

Pitfalls of BMI

Many people use Body Mass Index (BMI) as a guideline for health based on height and weight. However, it does not differentiate muscle and fat, which may lead to misinformed health decisions. For instance, athletes with lots of muscle could be mislabelled “overweight” despite being in excellent physical condition. It also does not tell you about your abdominal (visceral) fat, which is more prognostically important than BMI.

Role of OMRON BCM

To truly understand your health, we need to look beyond weight and BMI. This is where OMRON Body Composition Monitor (BCM) comes into play, providing valuable insights into key indicators such as body fat percentage, visceral fat, muscle mass and more. With an extensive range of indicators, OMRON BCM allows users to set more defined health goals. For instance, rather than simply aiming to lose weight, individuals can focus on building muscle or reducing body fat.

Embracing a Holistic Approach to Health

Recognizing that health encompasses much more than just the number on a scale is vital. By understanding the limitations of traditional weight measurements and embracing a holistic approach, you can achieve a more accurate and meaningful assessment of your health. OMRON BCM can provide valuable insights needed to help you make informed decisions about your health. Remember, true health is about feeling great, staying active, being disease-free, enjoying life, and caring for your body in every way possible!