BMI is the measurement mainly used to measure Obesity levels currently. A study published in the European Heart Journal indicates that muscle fat significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The fat content in muscles can lead to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Moreover, the distribution of fat in Asian populations differs from that in Western populations, so relying solely on BMI may not accurately reflect obesity levels.
Obesity not only affects appearance but is also related to insulin resistance and fat distribution, directly impacting health. Traditionally, BMI, calculated from weight and height, has been used as a standard for assessing obesity. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), BMI does not reflect body fat content or distribution. A high BMI might be due to high muscle mass, while a normal BMI could still indicate excessive visceral fat.
Muscle Fat and Health Risks
Muscles are the primary organs for glucose consumption in the body. When fat infiltrates muscles, they cannot function properly. Intramuscular fat refers to fat accumulated between or within muscle fibers. According to research by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), high levels of muscle fat impair insulin function, increasing the risk of metabolic diseases and closely relating to clinical manifestations of obesity.
Measuring Fat Content
Beyond the BMI index, measuring waist circumference also reflects obesity risk. More advanced methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), are used in the medical field to accurately measure muscle fat content, providing greater clinical value than BMI.
The Relationship Between Insulin Resistance and Obesity
In Hong Kong's obese population, particularly among middle-aged individuals, many people also experience insulin resistance. Research has shown that Asians may have a higher proportion of visceral fat even with a normal BMI. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels, but when there is excessive muscle fat, insulin sensitivity decreases. This can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes even if the BMI does not meet the obesity criteria.
Redefining Obesity Standards
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have recently suggested that obesity should no longer be classified solely based on BMI. Instead, it should be evaluated using a combination of BMI, insulin resistance, and fat distribution to provide a more detailed and comprehensive assessment of a patient's condition.
In reality, to achieve health, it is better to regularly check blood sugar, waist circumference, and lipid levels in daily life rather than relying solely on BMI or weight numbers. This approach allows for earlier detection of problems. Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in exercises like resistance training to reduce fat accumulation and improve insulin sensitivity can lead to a healthier life.
