BMI: Just a Number or a Health Risk?

BMI management at Studio On.

What is BMI, really?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It’s a simple calculation: your weight (in kilograms) divided by your height squared (in meters). It doesn’t measure fat directly, but it gives a quick idea if your weight is within a healthy range.

A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered “normal.” Below 18.5? Underweight. Between 25 and 29.9? Overweight. Above 30? That’s obesity.

But here’s the real question: does your BMI actually matter when it comes to health problems?

Musculoskeletal Conditions: What Science Says

Several studies link higher BMI to more joint and muscle pain. Why?

Low back pain:

Excess weight increases spinal load and inflammation, contributing to chronic pain. (1)

Knee osteoarthritis:

BMI is one of the strongest predictors. More weight = more pressure on knees. (2)

Plantar fasciitis and tendinopathies:

Extra body mass puts constant stress on tendons and foot structures. (3)

Systemic Conditions: Beyond the Joints

High BMI doesn’t just affect your back or knees—it’s linked to broader health problems:

• Cardiovascular disease

• Type 2 diabetes

• Hypertension and cholesterol issues

• Respiratory problems like sleep apnea

Inflammation caused by excess fat tissue plays a key role here. It can disrupt how your body manages insulin, blood pressure, and cholesterol. So yes, BMI can be a sign of much more than just size.

The Bottom Line

Maintaining a healthy BMI isn’t about looks—it’s about function and long-term health. A balanced BMI reduces the stress on your joints and lowers your risk of serious diseases.

Whether you’re aiming to move better, feel better, or just live longer: your BMI matters.

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References:

1. Nitecki M, Shapiro G, Orr O, Levitin E, Sharshevsky H, Tzur D, Twig G, Shapira S. Association Between Body Mass Index and Nonspecific Recurrent Low Back Pain in Over 600,000 Healthy Young Adults. Am J Epidemiol. 2023 Aug 4;192(8):1371-1378. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwad102. PMID: 37083852.

2. Salis Z, Gallego B, Nguyen TV, Sainsbury A. Association of Decrease in Body Mass Index With Reduced Incidence and Progression of the Structural Defects of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Multi-Cohort Study. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2023 Apr;75(4):533-543. doi: 10.1002/art.42307. Epub 2023 Jan 30. PMID: 35974435.

3. Lee W, Metgud N, Moore M. Association of Obesity and Plantar Fasciitis in Patients With Plantar Heel Spurs. Foot Ankle Orthop. 2023 Dec 9;8(4):24730114231213625. doi: 10.1177/24730114231213625. PMID: 38084290; PMCID: PMC10710752.