BMI is flawed. Try a body composition test

BMI is flawed. Try a body composition test

Author: NPR June 25, 2024 Duration: 18:19
For decades, health experts have relied on body mass index (BMI), a ratio of weight to height, to classify people as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. But sometimes, you need more than two numbers to understand your health. For example, BMI can't tell you how much of your weight is fat versus muscle. That's why a growing number of researchers and physicians prefer other metrics instead. NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey breaks down the history and shortcomings of BMI, and shares other methods to get a fuller picture of your body.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

NPR Privacy Policy

You know that feeling when you have a simple health question, but searching for answers online leaves you more confused than when you started? That’s where Life Kit: Health comes in. Produced by NPR, this podcast cuts through the noise and delivers clear, actionable guidance you can actually use. Instead of overwhelming theory, each episode focuses on a single topic-whether it’s improving your sleep, understanding nutrition labels, or starting a sustainable exercise routine-and brings in credible experts to break it down. The conversations are grounded in science but translated into practical steps, making it feel like you’re getting trustworthy advice from a friend who really did their homework. This isn’t about drastic overhauls; it’s about manageable tweaks that add up to a healthier, more informed life. You’ll hear straightforward interviews and relatable stories that make complex health concepts accessible. For those who want to support the show directly, there’s Life Kit+, a subscription that offers an ad-free listening experience. Tune in whenever you need a reliable, no-nonsense resource for navigating the everyday decisions that shape your well-being.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Life Kit: Health
Podcast Episodes
How to crave movement more than screen time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:36
Oftentimes, it's easier to scroll through our phones than do some squats. So what can we do to motivate ourselves to pick movement? In this episode of Life Kit, we speak with clinical psychologist Diana Hill and movement…
How to avoid mosquito bites [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:57
In this episode of Life Kit, reporter Andee Tagle talks to entomologist Sammy Ramsey and environmental health professor Brian Byrd about why some people get bitten more than others, which ingredients to seek in bug repel…
Want to build muscle? Eat more plants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:24
It's long been thought that eating protein from animals (eggs, meat, chicken, fish) can help you become stronger. But a new study out of the University of Illinois shows that plant protein is just as effective at buildin…
Stay safe this heat wave [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:45
There's a heat wave hitting much of the United State this week. Our bodies do have natural ways to dissipate heat, but when temperatures get extreme, sometimes they just can't keep up. In this episode of Life Kit, learn…
It's tick season. Here's how to protect yourself. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:21
More than 31 million people in the United States get bitten by ticks each year, and some of those ticks carry diseases such as Lyme disease, according to the CDC. In this episode of Life Kit, we cover where you might enc…
Your pelvic floor is essential. Here's how to take better care of it [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:29
Your pelvic floor helps with all sorts of bodily functions — it helps you go to the bathroom, breathe, and orgasm, and it supports your internal organs. But pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to painful sex, constipation,…
5 essential water skills to know this summer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:06
Knowing how to swim can help you have fun at the pool or beach this summer. But it could also save your life. Here are some tips to start swimming if you never learned as a kid. This episode originally published June 29,…
Here's why your feet hurt — and what you can do about it [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:49
If you're struggling with foot pain from bunions, Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, it might be time to reevaluate your foot care routine. In this episode, foot experts share advice on picking the right running s…
What to eat for better sleep [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:52
Your diet affects your sleep. What foods can help you be your most rested self? Nutrition scientist and researcher Marie-Pierre St-Onge has research-backed tips on which foods to eat — and, spoilers, a lot of them are fo…
5 simple ways to minimize stress [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:08
Need a break? Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, author of The 5 Resets, offers quick, easy ways to minimize stress in your daily life — no lavish vacations or big life changes necessary. This episode originally aired Feb. 6, 2024. See…