What is a limitation of using Body Mass Index (BMI) as a body composition measurement?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used tool for assessing body composition, but it has certain limitations. One significant limitation is that it does not differentiate between muscle and fat mass. The calculation of BMI uses total body weight and height, which means that individuals with high muscle mass can be classified as overweight or obese, even though they may have a low body fat percentage. This can be misleading, particularly for athletes or individuals who engage in strength training, as their increased weight from muscle makes them appear less healthy according to BMI standards.

The other options do not accurately reflect limitations of BMI. For instance, the notion that BMI is universally applicable to all individuals misunderstands the variability in body composition across different demographics. Furthermore, BMI does not account for age and sex variations in its measurement, nor does it directly measure body fat, both of which are important factors in accurately assessing body composition.