Singapore obesity and the BMI

The recently completed National Health Survey showed a jump in the prevalence of obesity from 6.9% in 2004, to 10.8% in 2010. Strangely I can't find the report of the important survey online. Since it is unclear what the definitions of obesity here are, I must assume the survey used the WHO internationally accepted definitions of a BMI cut-off of 30 kg/m2. Between 25-30 kg/m2, you would just be overweight.

(You can check your BMI here.)

The problem with this definition is that Asians and women have greater percentage of body fat for any given BMI. What this means is that we are more 'obese' than we think by applying international (mostly Caucasian) definitions.

Regular exercises reduces primarily body fat and reduces( improves) the BMI. However, weight exercises which bulk up muscle tissue may artifactually increase the BMI.

BMI (Body Mass Index) for Asians

So, the Brits are finally coming round to the realization that Asians are not Caucasians and should not measured by the same yardstick. At least where the BMI (Body Mass Index) is concerned.

I mean, duhhh........ we have known this for a long time already, haven't we? What took them so long?

Four years ago, the WHO Expert Consultation in Singapore already recommended new and more appropriate guideline for Asians.

BMI (kg/m2) for Adults...Health Risk
27.5 and above...High Risk
23 – 27.4...Moderate Risk
18.5 – 22.9...Low Risk (healthy range)
Below 18.5...Risk of nutritional deficiency diseases and osteoporosis

You can use the Health Promotion Board calculator to calculate your BMI.

:( Mine is 24.8.
Got to stay off that tiramisu.