There was a poll on here recently that suggested 30% of Indians have type-2 diabetes (wtf). I am absolutely blown away by that number and want to understand how much of a role BMI could be playing. If you are not Indian, please choose the not Indian option. Note that by diabetic, I am only referring to folks with type 2 diabetes. Here’s how to calculate BMI: weight/height^2 weight is in kg, height is in meters
There’s actually more going on here. One of the phenotypes common in India and east Asia is, for lack of a better term, “skinny fat”. If you’ve ever noticed some people from these regions have a really hard time putting on fat no matter how much they eat. The reality is that your body for whatever genetic reason doesn’t produce subcutaneous fat very well and instead the fat production goes to visceral fat (fat around organs). All people have visceral fat some degree of this but if you’re of the skinny fat type then you will have it much more. Visceral fat is much more dangerous and leads to metabolic disease. Combined with a culture that eats a carb heavy diet, it’s a combination which unfortunately will lead to a high occurrence of diabetes. Source: I listened to a doctor talk about this who sees thousands of metabolic disease patients a year and this is a trend he’s noticed. He practices in Silicon Valley and hence sees a lot of Asian patients.
Interesting but isn’t the skinny fat look more of a subcutaneous thing? By definition, visceral fat wouldn’t show up on the body
Ever see people with thin limbs but a round belly?
Its genetic, food habits and lack of exercise. Diabetes and Obesity related diseases are exploding in China as well. People used to eat less fast food and be more active now they eat more garbage and dont move.
That seems wrong. According to international diabetes federation the incidence rate for India is 10%. https://www.indexmundi.com/facts/indicators/sh.sta.diab.zs/rankings Technically it doesn’t say incidence rate for Indians but I doubt it’s that different. Even the countries with the highest incidence rate are below 30
OP is referring to Indians on blind, so Indian likely in the US. Makes sense that it is higher than the country considering the average income for Indians in US is probably higher than average folks in India
^ adding to this, the folks on blind are in very sedentary roles and their only focus in life is TC.
BMI is total BS. Go by body fat % to gauge health. I am 6’3” tall. I have 14% BF but my BMI is 30. I go to the gym daily so I am pretty muscular and fit. Even my Dr. says BMI is flawed and meaningless. I weigh 225 lbs so my BMI is around 30. Obese
BMI is not BS. Sure, It may not work for you because you work out daily and are pretty muscular and fit. But it works as a good indicator of health for the vast majority of people who are not as fit as you and have average profiles. Also, it can be calculated in a much more convenient and reliable way and can be comprehended by most age groups and socio-economic classes. This is why we have health organizations vouching for BMI rather than fat %.
It’s pretty common knowledge now that BMI is not a good measure and also US health organizations are very behind in terms of keeping up with current science. It might be true that BMI *kinda* works but the number of people it is valid for is not enough of a majority to rely on it. This is especially the case when you see people with extremely low muscle mass and high body fat. BMI might be very normal but indication of health is poor. This example of person is really common and hence not much of an edge case.
How do people have 30+ bmi?
I do, but I more fit than 95% of the population. 14% body fat. 6’3” 225lbs. Can almost see my 6 pack. BMI is bullshit. To get a target BMI of 22, I would have to drop 30 lbs. I can’t even lose that much fat and be alive, lol.
Maybe you should add pre diabetic option, which is what I am. Indian
Yes good idea, will do that in another poll. Btw, What’s your BMI?
26-30