Are WHO BMI cut-offs the same for everyone?

No, the WHO has revised BMI cut-offs for some Asian populations due to ethnic differences in health risks.

What is a lab reference range?

A reference range is a statistical guide based on test results from a large group of healthy individuals.

Can I be healthy if my lab result is outside the normal range?

Yes, falling outside a reference range doesn't always mean disease; it's a statistical guide, not a definitive boundary.

Home / Health / Health Metrics: Beyond the Numbers

Health Metrics: Beyond the Numbers

19 Nov

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Summary

Universal BMI cut-offs are being re-evaluated for ethnic variations.
Lab reference ranges are statistical, not definitive health boundaries.
Medical boundaries balance sensitivity and specificity, requiring judgment.

Universal health metrics, like Body Mass Index (BMI), are being re-evaluated as research highlights ethnic variations in disease risk. For instance, the World Health Organization has adjusted 'normal' BMI upper limits for Asian populations due to differences in fat distribution and disease prevalence.

Laboratory reference ranges, often mistaken for 'normal' ranges, are statistical constructs derived from large populations. These ranges represent the central 95% of results, meaning values outside this band don't always indicate disease, nor do values within guarantee perfect health.

Diagnosing illness involves a delicate balance between sensitivity and specificity, reflecting medical judgment rather than fixed lines. Medical boundaries are practical compromises that must be regularly revisited, considering factors like disease severity, prevalence, and social consequences.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.