How I Realized That Society’s Obsession With BMI Is Killing People

It’s rooted in colonialism, racism, misogyny, and eugenics

Photo from @sajephotography on Canva

Trigger Warning: this article contains content about eating disorders, drug abuse, and racism that may not be suitable for all readers. Fearless community, please read with care.

If you weren’t born with a certain type of body, hearing the three letters BMI might stir up some unhappy memories. It certainly does for me.

This article was inspired by a deep dive into the origin of this antiquated “medical” practice. I have Aubrey Gordon to thank, author of the book What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat, the online blog Your Fat Friend, and co-host of the awesome podcast that debunks diet culture called Maintenence Phase. She also writes on Medium! Check out some of her relevant articles linked below.

The Bizarre and Racist History of the BMI