What’s in a Number? Understanding the Real Meaning Behind Health Markers
We’re often told to “know our numbers” — from BMI to blood glucose levels — as part of monitoring our health. But what do these figures really mean, and how much should we rely on them?
In his latest blog, Dr Sean Wheatley, MSc, PhD, Science and Research Lead at X-PERT Health, explores the misunderstood world of health markers and highlights the importance of context when interpreting results.
While tools like BMI and HbA1c provide a useful overview, Dr Wheatley explains that they have key limitations. For example, BMI doesn’t reveal how much of your weight is fat versus muscle, or where that fat is stored — both of which are important for understanding risk. Similarly, HbA1c gives a broad indication of blood glucose control but misses the daily fluctuations that can impact health outcomes.
The key takeaway?
➡️ Context is everything.
A single number rarely tells the full story — but that doesn’t mean we should ignore it. Health markers are most powerful when understood as part of a bigger picture. Dr Wheatley encourages readers to discuss their results with healthcare professionals, consider additional testing where needed, and pay attention to patterns rather than isolated results.
He also notes the importance of risk clustering — when multiple markers (like raised BMI, HbA1c, and blood pressure) fall outside healthy ranges, this combination offers a clearer sign that lifestyle changes or interventions could be beneficial.
Understanding your numbers is an essential step towards taking control of your health — but interpreting them correctly is what really counts.
👉 Read the full blog to learn how to make sense of your results
