16.3: Global Distribution of BMI

Learning Objectives

• Chart and analyze global BMI data.
• Identify trends in global BMI data.
• Calculate one’s own BMI and relate it to larger global and national trends.

Supplies Needed

• Scale and measuring tape
• Worksheet (provided)
• Graphing software or PowerPoint

Readings

• Namie, Joylin. Chapter 16: Contemporary Topics: Human Biology and Health. Explorations.

Introduction

In this activity, students use global Body Mass Index (BMI) data compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO) to create a chart that represents the average (mean) BMI for multiple countries from 1975 to 2015. Students also calculate their own BMI and relate it to larger global and national trends.This activity prompts students to reflect on the relationship between one’s environment and biology in determining health.

Steps

1. Students will weigh themselves and measure their height, documenting these data in pounds and feet/inches.
2. Using the National Institute of Health BMI calculator, students calculate their own BMI.
3. Students select six countries to track. They then access these countries, using WHO data and list the percentage of each country’s population that have a BMI of 30 or greater by year.
4. Using a charting software or PowerPoint chart feature, students input the BMI data from all of their six countries into a single chart, including data from 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005, 2015. They then project what the BMI will be for each country in 2025.
5. Students analyze the data, discuss trends, and hypothesize why there are differences between countries and changes over time.
6. Students reflect on their own BMI in relation to country trends.

Review Questions

• Why do BMI differ so much from country to country?
• What could be the causes of the progressive increase in BMI in most countries since 1975?
• Who benefits from the global obesity epidemic? Think about the following industries and institutions: How might the medical establishment profit from obesity? The fitness industry? The diet industry? Fashion? Pharmaceutical companies? Food manufacturers? Advertisers?

Tips and Suggestions

Some students may be uncomfortable disclosing their weight and height. If this is the case, you may wish to modify this activity. One way to do so is to allow students to omit their own raw BMI data and instead only answer the questions in which they reflect on their BMI as it compares to national data and in general, rather than specific, terms.

Adapting for Online Learning

If this is an in-person lab, rank how adaptable to online learning it would be(mark in bold): Easy to adapt

For Further Exploration

• The World Most Obese Nations by Animated Stats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvJsEX9MWpw
• Watch the World Become Obese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMqxTuoWqsQ

References

1. Namie, Joylin. 2019. “Chapter 16: Contemporary Topics: Human Biology and Health.” In Explorations: An Open Invitation to Biological Anthropology, edited by Beth Shook, Katie Nelson, Kelsie Aguilera, and Lara Braff. Arlington, VA: American Anthropological Association. http://explorations.americananthro.org/
2. World Health Organization (WHO). 2017b. “Obesity and Overweight.” Fact Sheet. Last modified October 2017. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/.