The Body Mass Index

The BMI is EVERYWHERE. But is it scientific or scientif-ish? While many Americans think of the body mass index as an objective measure of health, its history reveals a more complicated story. This week, Mike and Aubrey tackle the first in a two-part series about the BMI and the “Obesity Epidemic.” Along the way they visit 18th century Belgium, learn a gross new acronym and dissect Dracula's facial features.

LINKS!:

• The Bizarre and Racist History of the BMI (Elemental) 
• Adolphe Quetelet, Social Physics, and the Average Men of Science, 1796-1874 (University of Pittsburgh Press)
• Mindful of eugenics’ dark history, researchers are reexamining the genetics of social mobility (Quartz) 
• Adolphe Quetelet (1796–1874)—the average man and indices of obesity (Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation)
• For Researchers on Obesity: Historical Review of Extra Body Weight Definitions (Obesity)
• Quetelet, Adolphe (Canada’s Eugenics Archives)
• Top 10 Reasons Why The BMI Is Bogus (NPR)
• The False Science Linking Body Shape to Personality (The Atlantic)
• Obesity task force linked to WHO takes “millions” from drug firms (The BMJ)
• Impact of weight bias and stigma on quality of care and outcomes for patients with obesity (Obesity Reviews) 

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