Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index in the simplest and easiest way to estimate your body fat composition. There are more accurate methods to measure percentage of body fat. Other methods to measure body fatness include skinfold thickness measurements (with calipers), underwater weighing, bioelectrical impedance, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and computerized tomography. However, these methods are not always readily available, and they are either expensive or need highly trained personnel. Skinfold measurements with calipers are difficult if not impossible by yourself. Plastic calipers which do an adequate job are not expensive. You can buy scales that will also measure your percentage of body fat using bioelectrical impedance. These send a very small current through your body. Fat contains more water than other parts of your body so the resistance will be less if you have more fat. Your hydration level can affect these measures. For most purposes BMI is a suffiecient measure of you body fat percentage.

BMI Weight Status Categories

Less than 18.5 Underweight
18.5 to 24.9 Healthy
25 to 29.9 Overweight
30 to 34.9 Grade 1 obesity
35 to 39.9 Grade 2 obesity
40 grade 3 (Morbid obesity)

BMI =	(weight in pounds * 703 )
	————————————
	height in inches²

Example: Height = 5 ft. 11 in. Weight = 211 lbs.
211*703
_______
71*71

= 148,333
______
5,041

= 29.43 = Overweight

BMI is a reliable indicator of total body fat, which is related to the risk of disease and death. The score is valid for both men and women . However, it may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build and underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass.