Body Fat or Body Mass Index?

Confused about what Body Mass Index (BMI) means as it relates to body fat?  Many people are….. BMI is just one tool to use when you are looking at your health. Scientists use BMI as a research tool to make objective comparisons as to how fat you are………

A person with a BMI of 25 or above is considered overweight and a BMI over 30 is considered obese.

Click here to see acceptable body fat percentage levels.

BMI uses your height and body weight to measure your fatness. This method has some limitations because it doesn’t consider your body type (slim, muscular, etc.).

 For example, a fit person with high muscle mass will tend to have a high BMI which suggests that the person is overfat. This person would actually be fit and healthy with low risk for fat-related diseases.

So, even though you might use BMI as a starting point, your level of fatness is best measured using a direct method.   A DIRECT METHOD WILL TELL YOU WHERE YOU ARE FAT (SUCH AS DANGEROUS ABDOMINAL FAT).

Two direct methods used are under-water weighing and skinfold measurements. Under-water weighing is not readily available to most people. Having a skinfold body fat test with calipers done by a fitness professional is convenient and reasonably accurate.

Click here to see acceptable body fat percentage levels.

Concentrate on regular exercise, low body fat and increased muscle mass and you’ll be okay!

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