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The Student News Site of Texas Christian University

TCU High School Journalism Workshop

The Student News Site of Texas Christian University

TCU High School Journalism Workshop

BMI: fact or fiction

Photo+courtesy+of+Hank+Kilgore.
Photo courtesy of Hank Kilgore.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics about a third of U.S. adults age 20 and older are obese, but some people question the science behind the numbers.

Obesity is linked to the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale, which sets the range for  “healthy” weight based on height.

“I don’t believe that the BMI scale is factual but I believe that it is a guideline for people to follow,” said Jennifer Collins, a TCU parent.

TCU students and parents explain why they believe the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale is factual or fictional.

The BMI scale is a ratio that suggests what the “healthy” weight size is for someone of a certain height. Some people believe that the BMI scale isn’t factual but a lifestyle that you should follow.

“I don’t believe that the BMI scale is factual but I believe that it is a guideline for people to follow,” Jennifer Collins said.

People who are overweight, but otherwise considered healthy are still at greater risk for stroke and heart failure, than those who weight is within the ideal range.

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