BMI fails to predict early death risk, as it can’t distinguish fat from muscle. New research shows body fat percentage is a far better indicator, with high body fat linked to a 78% increase in overall death and 262% from heart disease—risks BMI entirely misses. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) provides affordable, accurate fat measurement. Experts now urge replacing outdated BMI with body fat metrics to improve health assessments and better predict long-term disease outcomes.
Researchers say BMI is misleading—body fat percentage better predicts heart disease and mortality risk.
