When someone says they want to “lose weight,” the number on the scale is often the first thing they watch. But fat loss and weight loss are not exactly the same thing. Your total body weight includes fat, muscle, bone, organs, water, and other tissues. That means a lower number on the scale does not automatically mean you have lost the same amount of body fat. Likewise, your weight can stay relatively stable while your waist circumference and body composition improve. Underst

Body mass index, or BMI, is one of the most familiar numbers in weight and health screening. It is easy to calculate, requires no specialized equipment, and is widely used in healthcare and public health. But how much can BMI actually tell you about your health? BMI is useful as a screening tool, particularly at a population level. It becomes less informative when it is treated as a direct measurement of body fat or as a complete assessment of an individual’s health. The CDC