Why is there talk of raising the BMI obesity standard for Koreans?

“No, 75kg at 173cm is really obese?” And there are many people who are surprised.

 

In fact, the BMI standard for Koreans (over 25, obesity)
Does not match the risk of death or chronic disease As the research results come out,
The debate over whether the current standards are too strict has begun in earnest.

 

 

Why BMI Standards Don't Match Reality

(Why do so many Koreans become obese 'unintentionally'?)

 

BMI is Weight ÷ Height² It is a simple indicator that is calculated as .

Currently in Korea Obesity with a BMI of 25 or higher It is classified as follows.

• 173cm male → 70kg overweight / 75kg obese

• National average body type standard → Normal weight for men: 60kg and women: 50kg

The problem is that our eating habits and lifestyles have already become westernized.
The BMI standard remains at the level of 20 to 30 years ago. no see.

 

As a result, by current standards, nearly half of men are obese (47%).
The conclusions are far from reality.

 

 

 

Why Your Risk of Death and Disease Doesn't Match a BMI of 25

 

National Health Insurance Corporation 840 people followed for 21 years In one study,
We have seen amazing results.

✔ Key Results

• The risk of death was lowest in the BMI 25 range.

• There is also an increased risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
  BMI greater than 25 It appeared at a higher level

in other words,

“BMI 25 = Obesity = Increased Health Risk Zone” This formula does not match actual health data.

If so, rather The healthiest range is BMI 25-27 That means it could happen.

 

 

What new standards do experts suggest?

Based on the research findings, experts made the following suggestions:

✔ “The BMI standard should be raised from 25 to 27.”

 

When this change takes effect:

• Male (173cm) → Obesity from 80kg

• Female (160cm) → Obesity from 70kg

Also, when compared to overseas standards,
Korea is relatively low.

• WHO standards: Obesity with a BMI of 30 or higher

• china: Obesity with a BMI of 28 or higher

So Korea too There is a need to make this a reality based on data. The view continues.

 

4. Things to watch out for

 

Because BMI is a simple weight indicator It cannot fully explain the actual health status and risk of a particular individual.

After future discussions with health authorities and academia, Whether it will be applied domestically will be decided.

So, it's not "the BMI standard is changing"
“Evidence has been presented that there is a need for change.” It is appropriate to understand it at a level.

 

 

Do you think the Korean BMI standards are too strict or just right?