The British want to change the Body Mass Index
Published on 1/2/2013
BMI (body mass index) is an algorithm invented in 1830, and it is time to adapt it to humanity's changed physical conditions. This is the appeal launched by an Oxford mathematics professor, Nick Trefethen, who proposes replacing the old formula (weight divided by height squared) with a new algorithm featuring more refined indices: weight multiplied by 1.3, all then divided by height raised to the power of 2.5.
According to the English mathematician, this correction would better define "the people at the extreme ends of the height scale": namely the very short, those no taller than one metre 55 (where some formerly normal people will find themselves overweight), and very tall individuals, from one metre ninety upwards, among whom the number of thin people would increase.
The normal range would remain that of an index between 18.5 and 25.
Objections from a portion of the medical and scientific community were not long in coming, criticising the new formula for the same limitations as the old index: no consideration of fat mass as such or of health risk.
Nevertheless, the news immediately met with success and attention, and an unstoppable wave of gossip began, applying the new formula to acquaintances, friends, family members and celebrities.