Understanding Your Measurements

Body Mass Index

The Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a measurement of your weight relative to your height. BMI is a reliable indicator of total body fat, which strongly correlates to risk of disease and death. The score applies for both men and women however; it does have the following limits: 

• It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.  

• It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass.  

BMI Scores      BMI

Underweight          Below 18.5

Normal                   18.5 - 24.9

Overweight            25.0 - 29.9

Obesity                  30.0 and Above       
    

Waist Circumference

Waist circumference measures abdominal fat, which can predict your risk for developing heart disease and other medical issues. These health-risks increase with a waist measurement of over 40 inches in men and over 35 inches in women.

Body Fat 

Your total body weight is made up of lean weight and fat weight (also known as body fat). Lean weight includes the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and water in the body. Body fat includes fat storage in cells and organs.  For good health, it is important to have a higher proportion of lean weight compared to fat weight. The muscle part of lean weight produces work and burns food calories. When there is too much body fat, it acts as excess baggage for the body and can be detrimental to your health. People with a higher fat content, especially around the waist, have a higher risk of heart disease.  The fat percentage for women is normally higher because of breast tissue and a larger layer of fat under the skin. Athletes have lower percentages of body fat compared to the average man or woman because they burn the fat calories for energy and store less fat in their fat cells. Also, young adults typically have a lower normal body fat percentage than older adults.  Obese people, on the other hand, often have more than 30% body fat. This can be a risk factor for various health problems. Exercise and proper nutrition can help lower the fat content of the body.

Body Fat Ranges


                                     Men         Women

Normal Ranges        10-20%    15-25%