Archive for December, 2009

Body Composition ScaleHow To Calculate Body Fat

Body fat can be calculated by four basic techniques such as, Fat Scale Home Body, Hydrostatic Weighing Skinfold Caliper and Navy Method. However, our task is to pay attention to three, most often used.

Home Body Fat Scales technique evaluates the amount of body fat by method of Biometrical Impedance. By this method an enormously low voltage current is passed through our body and the opposing current is measured. Upon coming to the result and comparing it with the actual body weight, the exact percentage of body fat is determined.

However, this method may not work well occasionally, since the resistance of our body is affected by various factors which create some current along with body fat, such as skin temperature, skeletal muscles, the body water, electrical waves of heart, and physical work out. In order to avoid that an individual needs a rest of 4-5 hours, without doing any physical exercise 12 hours before the method is used.

Skinfold Caliper is another useful technique to calculate body fat conducted with the usage of calipers. This is the cheapest technique for measuring body fat. However, in order to achieve the best results, the procedure should be done correctly by an expert.

Hydrostatic Weighing, previously known as under water weighing, is the most precise technique to calculate body fat, on condition you provide a hydrostatic weighing tank. It is necessary to know Archimedes Principle in order to understand this technique. It would be even better if you knew some physics too. The mass of your body is calculated by measuring the amount of water that you relocate while you are in the water. It happens because the amount of water relocated when the body totally or partially gets into the water is equivalent or proportional to the weight of that body. Depending on the body density, the method calculates body fat. The only problem that might crop up is how to find a hydrostatic weighing tank.

On the whole, the main question is why should we bother about calculating body fat?

An important constituent of a successful weight loss diet plan is body fat. Before you decide to go on a diet it is necessary to understand scientific aspects of your weight loss program. That means you should know the inventory of your body fat and the time it needs to lose some portion. Besides this, you should get information about the amount of calories you need to reduce for achieving the goal. How to calculate body fat correctly is the first and foremost step in your pursue of weight loss goals.

Learn more about How to Calculate Body Fat. Stop by Milos Pesic’s site where you can find out all about Weight Loss and what it can do for you.

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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.

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