BMI is wrong way to measure obesity, researchers say — here’s what they recommend instead

Dr. Nicole Saphier reveals connection between obesity, rise in cancer diagnoses

Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier joined 'Fox & Friends Weekend' to discuss the importance of routine cancer screenings for early detection and FDA warnings about certain weight loss drugs.

Body mass index (BMI) has been the international standard for measuring obesity since the 1980s, according to many sources, though some experts have questioned its validity. (iStock)

A person’s BMI is calculated by dividing his or her weight by the square of his or her height in feet. (iStock)

When excess body fat is confirmed, clinicians should assess individuals to determine whether obesity may have caused any organ dysfunction, the study researcher said. (iStock)

In some cases, using BMI can result in "muscular athletes" being labeled as obese, one doctor noted. (iStock)