The body mass index: What's the use?

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Critical Race Theory
• Body Image Research

Background:

• The body mass index (BMI) is widely used in body image research.
• Its origins trace back to eugenics, with historical use to pathologize certain bodies.
• The metric has been used to enforce white masculinist ideals, impacting healthcare and insurance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the historical and ongoing use of BMI in body image research.
• To highlight the racist underpinnings and eugenic history of BMI.
• To question the uncritical application of BMI and propose alternatives that address fat discrimination and weight stigma.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and critical analysis of BMI's historical context.
• Engagement with critical race theory, specifically Sara Ahmed's work on "use."
• Conceptual analysis of the utility and limitations of BMI in academic research.

Main Results:

• BMI's history is intertwined with racist ideologies and the eugenics movement.
• The metric has been historically employed to marginalize bodies deemed "unfit" and enforce narrow beauty standards.
• Overreliance on BMI in research obscures the systemic issues of fat discrimination and weight stigma.

Conclusions:

• Researchers must critically assess the use and implications of BMI in body image studies.
• Moving beyond BMI is crucial for subverting harmful beauty ideals and validating diverse body experiences.
• Acknowledging BMI's limitations and potential harms is essential for ethical and impactful research.