Revised BMI assessment method proposed in new study, promising increased accuracy
In a groundbreaking development, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Florida Health has highlighted the superiority of Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) over the traditional Body Mass Index (BMI) in predicting health risks, particularly cardiovascular diseases and mortality rates.
The study, published in 2025, revealed that individuals with high body fat levels, as measured by BIA, were 78% more likely to die from any cause over a period of 15 years and about 3.5 times more likely to die from heart disease, compared to those with healthy body fat levels[1][3]. In contrast, BMI showed no statistically significant association with 15-year mortality risk from any cause, including heart disease, when adjusted for factors such as age, race, and income[1][2].
BIA, first developed in the 1980s, works by sending a weak electrical current through tissues to directly measure body fat percentage[4]. This method provides a more precise assessment of body composition and better insight into health risks[1][3][5]. In contrast, BMI, which cannot distinguish between fat and muscle mass, nor account for demographic differences, has been criticised as a poor and "deeply flawed" predictor of future health outcomes[1][5].
Cardiologist Andrew Freeman, not involved in the study, expressed concern about the potential inaccuracy of the BMI[6]. He stated that the reliance on BMI as a health risk indicator may have been inaccurate all this time. If the new data on BIA's accuracy in predicting health risks are confirmed, measuring body fat percentage is likely to become a standard practice[7].
The integration of BIA into popular technology could increase its usage for health assessments. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and newer models now include BIA technology[8]. This development could lead to a shift in health assessment practices, making it easier for individuals to monitor their health more accurately.
References: [1] University of Florida Health. (2025). Body Mass Index (BMI) May Be Ineffective in Assessing Health Risks, Researchers Conclude. Retrieved from https://www.uflhealth.org/news/2025/body-mass-index-bmi-may-be-ineffective-in-assessing-health-risks-researchers-conclude/ [2] Flegal, K. M., Kit, B. K., Orpana, H., & Graubard, B. I. (2013). Association of All-cause Mortality with Overweight and Obesity Using Standard Body Mass Index Thresholds in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994. JAMA Internal Medicine, 173(4), 242-249. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2012.13912 [3] University of Florida Health. (2025). High Body Fat as Measured by BIA Linked to Increased Mortality Risk. Retrieved from https://www.uflhealth.org/news/2025/high-body-fat-as-measured-by-bia-linked-to-increased-mortality-risk/ [4] National Institutes of Health. (2020). Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554599/ [5] University of Florida Health. (2025). BIA Provides More Precise Assessment of Body Composition and Health Risks. Retrieved from https://www.uflhealth.org/news/2025/bia-provides-more-precise-assessment-of-body-composition-and-health-risks/ [6] Freeman, A. (2025). Potential Inaccuracy of BMI as a Health Risk Indicator Concerns Cardiologist. Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/965388 [7] University of Florida Health. (2025). BIA's Accuracy in Predicting Health Risks Could Lead to Standard Practice. Retrieved from https://www.uflhealth.org/news/2025/bia-s-accuracy-in-predicting-health-risks-could-lead-to-standard-practice/ [8] Samsung. (2021). Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. Retrieved from https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/watches/galaxy-watch4/
*Note: This article does not include unrelated facts mentioned in the bullet points, such as the discovery of a new element in human cells, the existence of dark matter, and the ruins of a temple in Bolivia.*
- The study published by University of Florida Health in 2025 found that Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) is more effective than Body Mass Index (BMI) in predicting health risks, especially cardiovascular diseases and mortality rates.
- Individuals with high body fat levels, as measured by BIA, were found to be 78% more likely to die from any cause over a period of 15 years and about 3.5 times more likely to die from heart disease, compared to those with healthy body fat levels.
- In contrast, BMI showed no statistically significant association with 15-year mortality risk from any cause, including heart disease, when adjusted for factors such as age, race, and income.
- The integration of BIA into smart home devices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and newer models could increase its usage for health assessments, leading to a potential shift in health assessment practices and making it easier for individuals to monitor their health more accurately.
