What is the Body Mass Index?

8. BMI and Ethnicity

Some ethnic groups require revised body mass index guidelines. For example, people from some parts of Asia have a higher amount of body fat at a given BMI than other people with the same BMI value. This means that they are more likely to develop health problems associated with high BMI at a lower body weight than other populations. Conversely, some populations are not at increased risk of developing weight-related health issues until they reach a higher BMI than other populations. This is true of those of Torres Strait Islander or Maori heritage.

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