Understanding BMI and Its Cultural Relevance: How Legacy Supports Personalized Health Education

Health isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is education. At Legacy Community Health, we empower individuals and communities with guidance that is culturally relevant and tailored to their unique needs. We collaborate with individuals, healthcare providers, and communities to enhance health outcomes through personalized care and education.

One area where a tailored approach makes a difference is Body Mass Index (BMI), which has its limitations and is being phased out, especially within diverse communities like Latinos and other ethnic groups.

Why BMI May Not Be Culturally Appropriate for All

BMI has long been used as a standard measurement to assess weight-related health risks. However, research has shown that BMI does not account for differences in muscle mass, bone density, and genetic factors that vary across ethnic groups. For example, studies indicate that Latino and African American populations may have different body compositions that can make BMI a less accurate predictor of health risks compared to other assessments.

According to Sean Barrett, Director of Nutrition & Fitness at Legacy, “BMI is a simple tool for measuring height to weight ratio. It misses the mark on overall health.”

Cultural differences in diet, exercise, and overall community health play a big role in well-being. Barrett emphasizes that BMI alone can lead to misdiagnosis. “As a physically active person with large bone structure, I have been documented as obese at my fittest.”

To create more effective and personalized solutions, a better approach looks at the whole person—we look at metabolic health, lifestyle habits, mental health, and offer culturally tailored care.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 38.9% of Latino children are overweight or obese, compared to 28.5% of non-Latino white children (Kaiser et al., 2015). Research also shows that family-centered, culturally tailored programs are more effective in improving health outcomes for these groups (Barkin et al., 2012), underscoring the importance of community-based education and interventions beyond BMI.

How Legacy Can Help

At Legacy, we believe in educating patients about the complexities of BMI while providing alternative health assessment tools to ensure accurate, individualized care. “We look at food intake, labs, and physical activity” says Barrett. “Then we measure with a bioimpedance machine, which measures body fat percentage and fat free mass.”

Legacy offers a variety of health education classes at many of our clinics and community locations across Southeast Texas. These classes focus on the unique health needs of different communities, making sure patients get advice that’s both useful and easy to apply in their daily lives.

• Weight Management Classes: Legacy has introduced weight management classes that go beyond BMI to focus on sustainable, culturally appropriate weight loss and healthy lifestyle habits. These classes incorporate nutritional counseling, physical activity recommendations, and behavioral support tailored to different cultural backgrounds.
• Diabetes Education: Since Latino populations are at a higher risk for diabetes, Legacy provides targeted diabetes education classes that help individuals manage their condition effectively. Participants learn about nutrition, physical activity, and medication management, with an emphasis on culturally relevant meal planning.
• Family-Centered Health Interventions: Legacy supports family-based programs that educate parents and children together on making healthy choices. Barrett stresses the importance of family involvement: “When there is more than one person in the house, you usually need the person doing the cooking to be with them for their appointment. It is always easier if everyone understands and works on it together to meet goals. Then it becomes easily achievable.”

Expanding Access to Holistic Health Care

In addition to our Primary Care, Dental, Vision, and Behavioral Health services, Legacy offers programs that offer support beyond traditional medical care.

• Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH): This program helps patients address emotional and psychological factors that contribute to weight and overall health.
• Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Program: Legacy connects individuals with resources for food security, housing assistance, and financial support—all crucial elements in achieving lasting health improvements.

Take Charge of Your Health with Legacy

At Legacy Community Health, we’re all about giving patients with the knowledge and support to take control of their health. Whether through educational classes, one-on-one counseling, or culturally sensitive care, the goal is a personalized, inclusive approach.

“Reach out—there are a number of resources that can be shared,” said Barrett. “We help patients daily.”

Interested in learning more? Contact our Legacy Public Health team at 832-548-5221 or visit our website. Together, we can create a healthier future that truly meets the needs of every community.