Question

My husband's BMI shows that he's obese - it's 31.2. But he's an NFL footballer and trains very hard.

Should we be worried?
 

Answer

BMI is a measure of weight in relation to height and is used to indicate body fat. However, it is a somewhat controversial measurement. It can be elevated in very muscular people. For instance, bodybuilders with a very low body-fat percentage often have a BMI in the obese range.
 

However, researchers say that it's unlikely that high BMIs of professional football players, especially those in the extremely obese range, are due to healthy muscle mass. Perhaps the need for those extra calories during the playing season has turned into a bit of overeating during the off-season?
 

For most people, even fit people, the BMI is a good indicator of health. Many studies have shown that people with a BMI over 25 are more likely to get life-threatening illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. And that includes ex-football players.
 

Note that some research indicates that waist size may be a better indicator of health than BMI - but again, this can be misleading in very large people. Cardiovascular fitness is more important than a low BMI or waist size.
 

Your husband would be well advised to make absolutely sure that he remains cardiovascularly fit during the 'off-season', and that he has his body-fat percentage measured regularly once he hangs up his cleats.
 

Related Links
Your Waistline Can Tell You a Lot About Your Health Risk
Medicine Net: Many NFL Players . . .
Center for the Study of Retired Athletes
BMI Calculator