Once upon a time it was thought that body mass index, also known as BMI, was the best predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. Now doctors know that a better predictor of future cardiac disease is a person’s waist to hip ratio. People fit into one of two categories of fat distribution known as the apple shape and the pear shape.

The person with an apple shape fat distribution pattern collects fat on the chest and abdomen. Cortisol is thought to play a role in creating the apple shape. More cortisol is usually found in apple-shaped people. Men with pot bellies are a classic example of the apple shape, and it is men who normally have fat distributed this way.

Women, on the other hand, usually have pear-shaped bodies. Fat distribution in a person with a pear shape is throughout the hips and thighs. While this fat distribution pattern is less of a cardiovascular risk factor, people with pear shapes also have more eating disorders than those with apple shapes.

The apple-shaped person likely has (or will have) metabolic issues. Fiber is a good solution to help with this. The recommended daily intake of fiber for apple-shaped people is 34 grams.

Pear-shaped people do best on low-fat, low-calorie eating plans. Although fat distributed through the hips and thighs has a lower risk of heart disease, the downside is that it is harder to lose weight and much easier to gain weight.

To measure waist to hip ratio you want to take your waist measurement in inches or centimeters. Next, divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. Men should have a waist to hip ratio of 1. 0 or less. Women should have a ratio of 0. 8 or less.

Nobody wants to have insulin resistance, type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or sleep apnea. But, if your waist to hip ratio is not in line with recommendations, you could very likely end up with any or all of these diseases and others.

The consequences of those diseases have a very significant impact on quality of life. Let us take a look.

If you have spent a lifetime overworking your pancreas it is eventually going to stop functioning correctly. When a person is insulin resistant, the pancreas is pushed to release extra insulin because the cells cannot accept the glucose the way they are supposed to. In the end, you find yourself with a diagnosis of type II diabetes.

The consequences of type II diabetes happen all throughout the body. All of the extra sugar in the bloodstream damages the whole cardiovascular system. Kidney damage, blindness, nerve damage and sexual dysfunction are just a few of the commonly seen results of type II diabetes.

Individuals with type II diabetes are more likely than non-diabetic people to have a stroke or develop another type of cardiac disease. The consequences of a stroke can be catastrophic. Paralysis and other life-altering results can occur.

Heart attacks are responsible for killing part of the heart muscle. This is due to a lack of blood flow to a specific area of the heart during the attack.

It is easy to dismiss the facts that your waist to hip ratio is not that big of a deal. You could remain in denial until the day when you can no longer change the outcome and are living with the daily results of diabetes or stroke. Or, you can resist the denial and lower your body fat to within the guidelines. It is your choice. Make the right decision for yourself. You will be happy you did.

Learn more about your waist to hip ratio. Stop by HealthStatus.com where you can find an easy to use wasit to hip ratio calculator and many more interactive health tools.

Body Composition Scale – What Does Body Mass Index Do?

Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a calculated number that comes from a person’s height and weight. It is a pretty reliable gauge of body fat. It does not directly measure body fat, but studies show a direct relation of BMI with directly measuring body fat. It is an alternative way to measure body fat. It is a cheap and simple way to test for categories that can cause health issues.

It is used as a way to identify possible weight issues in adults. It is not an analytical method. A person can have an elevated BMI; but, a doctor needs to evaluate them for a possible health risk.

To assess how many individuals are overweight and obese, BMI is the best method. Since tallness and weight is the only information needed, it is low cost and easy for doctors or the public to do. BMI enables individuals to judge their weight against others.

Children and adults BMI is calculated the same way. Using kilograms the formula is weight/height squared. For pounds and inches the formula is weight/height squared x 703.

For those 20 year or older, BMI is interpreted using standard weight categories that are the same for all ages and for both men and women. Children and teens, the interpretation of BMI is both age and sex specific.

30 or more means you are obese, 25. 0 to 29. 0 means overweight,’. 5 to 24. 9 means underweight when it comes to the BMI guidelines.

There is a strong link between body fat and the BMI number. Link does vary by sex, race and age.

When trying to determine someone’s risk for developing diseases or illness related to obesity, BMI is not the only thing to look at. The size of the person’s waist and any illnesses or diseases that are known to be caused by obesity, need to be addressed.

BMI group status puts people into the overweight group is their BMI number is over 25. For those with a BMI of 30 or more, they fall into the group of obese.

A lot of people with a score of 30 have more fat than others. Others can have a score but not have a lot of fat. This is because the weight factor of BMI includes fat and muscle. Remember that body fat is not directly measured with the BMI method.

Risks related to disease include numerous factors not just weight. Remember this when figuring your BMI.

BMI ranges are based on the connection of body weight, disease and death. Overweight or obese people are at a greater risk for many health conditions and diseases.

While the BMI number is figured the same way for both children and adults, the standards used are different. BMI is age and sex specific. Body fat changes with age. Body fat differs between girls and boys.

After being calculated, the number is placed on the CDC BMI for age growth charts to discover the percentage. They are the most widely used gauge to determine the size and growth patterns of children in the United States. The percentile points to the relative position of the child’s BMI number with others of the same age and sex. The growth charts show the weight status categories used with children and teens.

Compute your body mass index easily by visiting the HealthStatus.com website and use their quick and easy BMI calculator.

‘Body fat’ is a common term. However, many people link this term to obesity, cholesterol and an unhealthy constitution. While excess body fat content can cause many severe problems, the body requires a certain amount of body fat for various metabolic and structural functions.

Body fat is created in the body through the absorption of fats in the foods you eat. As the body breaks down these fats, two byproducts are released into the body – glycerol and fatty acids. The liver processes glycerol into glucose and stores it as a stock of energy. Fatty acids provide energy for all major tissues, especially for the heart muscles and the skeletal muscles. So, it is very important to include the correct amount of fatty substances in the diet.

Here are a few major functions of body fats:

* Body fats help to maintain healthy skin and hair.

* Adequate body fat allows you to maintain the right body temperature.

* Body fats are the sources of energy in the body.

* Body fats are necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of cells.

* Body fats provide cushioning for organs and tissues.

* Body fats act as a shock absorber for bones.

* The body will not absorb many vital vitamins like A, E, D and K unless they combine with fats.

* Body fats are also believed to act as immunity boosters to protect the body from ailments.

Excess Body Fat – Why Is It Undesirable?

While the body cannot function smoothly without body fat, you must remember that too much body fat can adversly affect the systems of the body. The fats absorbed by the body but not immediately needed do not burn off but get stored in the body. Such accumulation of body fats may lead to obesity that can then set off many other health issues like breathing difficulties, arthritis and heart disease.

To prevent problems associated with excess body fat, one must know the current body fat percentage in the body and the ideal percentage required. According to the American Council on Exercise, body fat should ideally constitute– – 17 percent of the total body weight of a man and for women, body fat should be around 21 – 24 percent of total body weight.

With the various fat measurement techniques available today, it is very easy to keep track of your body fat percentage and take steps to a healthy lifestyle. Four fat measurement methods are Home Body Fat Scales, Navy Method, Hydrostatic Weighing and Skinfold Calipers. Knowing the exact fat percentage in your body can help in setting realistic weight loss plans.

Is Weight Loss the Same as Body Fat Loss?

Weight loss and body fat reduction are two completely different concepts. Consider an instance of two individuals the same age – an athletically built person and a normal person. Due to the extra weight of muscles, the athletic person may weigh more than his counterpart. However, the second person’s weight may be related to a higher content of body fat. The normal person will be more vulnerable to weight-related issues than the athletic person. Therefore, it is important to lose body fat rather than trying to lose body weight. With new methods that measure body fat percentage, you can get an accurate report of your body fat and the amount you must lose or gain to remain fit and healthy.

When trying weight loss plans to lose body fat, it is best to adopt a plan that combines a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and a minimum of processed carbohydrates with a good exercise regimen. You should keep the body fat levels to the ideal levels and enjoy more health and happiness in your life.

HealthStatus.com has free calculators to determine your body fat percentage. Click to see the body fat calculator, and ideal weight as well as many other easy to use interactive health tools.