The problems with linking weight and health episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 20, 2025 · 23 MIN

The problems with linking weight and health

from The Decibel · host The Globe and Mail

Body weight often gets conflated with overall health, and the BMI — body mass index — has helped solidify that belief. But in recent years, the measurement has come under increased criticism. Some doctors have started using a new measurement of health called the body roundness index, or BRI.But does BRI address the issues so many have with the BMI? And how do these measurements that tie weight and overall health together impact the experiences of fat people navigating the Canadian healthcare system?Dr. Kelsey Ioannoni is a critical health sociologist and fat studies scholar. She studies weight based politics and discrimination. Dr. Ioannoni joins the show to explain the benefits and drawbacks of BRI, and if it could change people’s experiences in the doctor’s office.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at [email protected] go here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Body weight often gets conflated with overall health, and the BMI — body mass index — has helped solidify that belief. But in recent years, the measurement has come under increased criticism. Some doctors have started using a new measurement of health called the body roundness index, or BRI. But does BRI address the issues so many have with the BMI? And how do these measurements that tie weight and overall health together impact the experiences of fat people navigating the Canadian healthcare system? Dr. Kelsey Ioannoni is a critical health sociologist and fat studies scholar. She studies weight based politics and discrimination. Dr. Ioannoni joins the show to explain the benefits and drawbacks of BRI, and if it could change people’s experiences in the doctor’s office.

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The problems with linking weight and health

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This episode was published on February 20, 2025.

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Body weight often gets conflated with overall health, and the BMI — body mass index — has helped solidify that belief. But in recent years, the measurement has come under increased criticism. Some doctors have started using a new measurement of...

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