Body Composition Scale » BMI

Things A Person Should Know Concerning Body Mass Index

Elmire Bmires — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:14:58 +0000

Your body mass index or your BMI is a way to determine if you should lose weight. The BMI compares the fat to muscle in your body and tells you if you need to gain or lose weight.

There are several online calculators that can help you to determine your own BMI. You will need to know your height and weight in order to get your BMI from the calculators.

If your doctor wants a more accurate gauge of your BMI, he may order a test where you are weighed out of the water and in the water. The ratio of the two weights can be used to calculate your BMI.

Persons with a BMI higher than 25 are considered to be overweight. Once the BMI passes 30 the person is considered to be obese. If the BMI is below 18.5 you may be underweight.

If, after determining your BMI, you need to lose weight, you will need find a healthy way to lose that weight. One of the best approaches is to design your diet based on your Basel Metabolism Rate or your BMR. The BMR determines the number of calories needed to maintain your current weight. If you decrease your calorie intake to slightly below the BMR and eat a balanced diet you will usually lose weight.

If you start eating less and exercising more, you can still lose weight at a healthy rate. Increasing activity may be some small steps that you take. You may want to consider exercises that increase your core strength or those that will tone muscle groups. This will help you to build muscle as you lose fat. It can prevent loss of muscle mass in the weight loss process.

As you build muscle and lose weight, your BMI will drop. In addition, it will take fewer calories to maintain your new body so your BMR will also be lower. Over time you may need lower the number of calories that you consume each day in order to continue to lose weight.

If you eat a balanced diet based on your BMR, you should not feel hungry. In fact, many people have difficulty in eating all the food that the plan requires. This is one eating plan that you can remain on for the rest of your life and lose or maintain your weight. You will not be starving yourself with the latest fad diet.

As you work to lower your body mass index, you may begin to see many health benefits of your new diet plan.

Check out how you can tell your body mass index. Knowing your BMI will allow you to know just how much fat you need to lose in a diet. Go online and find out more today.

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Body Composition Scale – What Does Body Mass Index Do?

Greg White — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:08:15 +0000

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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Measuring Body Composition

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:44:35 +0000

Body Composition Scale

Whenever we embark on any type of fitness program, we expect to make some kind of progress. Otherwise, we would just be wasting out time. Measuring our progress is very important not only to let us know if and how quickly we are improving, but also because it provides encouragement for us to stay on track. However, no measurement is perfectly accurate, and not all measurements are appropriate for every goal. Using a measurement that is irrelevant to your goal is likely to provide meaningless or inaccurate information. As a result, we should make sure that the measurements that we take are appropriate for our goals. The tools and measurements for monitoring progress can span the full range of indicators that measure health, physical appearance/body composition, and athletic performance. However, we will stick to indicators of physical appearance and body composition because these are the ones that generate the most interest in health and fitness. This article will list some measurement parameters along with their objectivities, accuracies, and with synopses of their uses and limitations. For the purposes of this discussion, the objectivity of a measurement is defined as the reading’s independence from individual interpretation. For example, weight is considered to be very objective because if the scale shows your weight to be 145 lbs, it will do so regardless of what you want it to show. Also, for the purposes of this discussion, the accuracy is defined as the ability to accurately indicate body composition such as fat percentage.WeightTheory: Heavier person is fatter.Objectivity/Accuracy: Very objective but very inaccurate When used by itself, weight gives no useful information on body composition. However, when combined with percentage body fat measurements, it can be useful in estimating lean mass. It can also be useful for athletes who compete in weight divisions (i.e. boxers).Body Mass Index or BMI (Weight in kg divided by height2 in meters)Theory: If 2 people are the same weight, then the shorter is fatter.Objectivity/Accuracy: Very Objective but very inaccurate BMI gives no useful information on body composition and it is useless for computing lean mass. However, its convenience makes it useful for studies of a general population.Girth Measurements with a Measuring TapeTheory: Smaller girth (especially around waist) is leaner.Objectivity/Accuracy: Reasonably objective but slightly inaccurate Girth measurements do not directly measure body composition but they can tell you if your waist or hip measurement is expanding or shrinking. Girth measurements are very convenient and are useful for monitoring trends. In addition, using a measuring tape is the best way to see if you will fit into those new clothes.PhotographTheory: If you look leaner, then you probably are.Objectivity/Accuracy: Somewhat objective but somewhat inaccurate The results that you get from a photograph are affected by the lighting, the camera and even photographer technique. However, if you use constant photography conditions, before and after pictures are very useful for measuring your progress.Buoyancy Measurement in a Flotation TankTheory: Muscle is less buoyant than fat.Objectivity/Accuracy: Very objective and very accurate Buoyancy measurement is the most accurate way to measure body composition on living subjects and is widely accepted as the gold standard. However, it is inconvenient and it requires a high degree of technical competence from the tester. Also, trapped gas can affect the measurement. Regardless, it is the most accurate way to measure percentage body fat for purposes of estimating lean mass.Skin fold Measurements with CalipersTheory: The less you can pinch, the leaner you are.Objectivity/Accuracy: Reasonably objective and reasonably accurate Skin fold Measurements are second to buoyancy measurements in accuracy. However, it only measures subcutaneous (below the skin) fat and it requires some technical knowledge by the person who is taking the measurement. Generally, its accuracy increases with the number of places on your body that are measured. It can be very useful because fat below the skin is usually what determines how well your abs are showing or how you look in a swimsuit.Bioelectrical ImpedanceTheory: Muscle conducts electricity better than fat does.Objectivity/Accuracy: Very objective but slightly accurate This measurement assumes average arm length for height, along with constant hydration and electrolyte levels. Deviations in any one of these parameters can significantly affect the measurement. However, it is convenient and easy to use. As mentioned before, we pursue fitness for a variety of reasons and there are a variety of methods for measuring our progress towards our goals. Whether your goal is to fit into those new clothes, to look great for that photo shoot, or simply to feel better, it is important that the means of measuring your progress is relevant to your individual goal.

In addition to maintaining his career as a professional pilot, Roger has spent much time pursuing formal and self directed studies of the human physiology and metabolism. He is also qualified as a health nutritionist and a fitness trainer. He has written numerous articles for www.spartafit.com.

Body Fat Scale

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Body Composition Scale – Body Composition, Body Fat & Body Weight

bodycompositionscale — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:42:58 +0000

Body Composition Scale – Body Composition, Body Fat & Body Weight

Learn why body weight and body fat are not always an indication of health

By Elizabeth Quinn, About.com

Body composition is the term used to describe the different components that, when taken together, make up a person’s body weight. The human body is composed of a variety of different tissue types including lean tissues (muscle, bone, and organs) that are metabolically active, and fat (adipose) tissue that is not.

Body Weight Measurements

Standard body weight scales provide a measure of total weight, but don’t determine the lean-to-fat ratio of that weight. Standing on most scales can tell you only if you weigh more than the average person, but not if that weight is fat or muscle. Based only on scale weight, a 250-pound athlete with 8% body fat may be considered “overweight” by a typical weight chart. Such charts are not a good indication of ideal body weight for general health or for athletic performance.

Body Composition | Body Fat Measurement

There are many methods of assessing a person’s fat and lean mass. The most common methods include the following.

Underwater Weighing – Hydrostatic Weighing

One method of body composition analysis in which a person is weighed while submerged in a large tank of water is called underwater or hydrostatic weighing This method of determining body composition relies on Archimedes’ Principle of displacement which states:

The density of fat mass and fat-free mass are constant
Lean tissue is more dense than water
Fat tissue is less dense than water.
Therefore person with more body fat will weigh less underwater and be more buoyant.

Underwater weighing has been considered the gold standard for body composition assessment, however new, more sophisticated methods may make underwater weighing obsolete in the future.

Skinfold Thickness Measurements

Because underwater weighting it is complicated and cumbersome and requires special equipment, most exercise physiologists use simple skinfold measurements to determine body fat percent. The American College of Sports Medicine says that when performed by a trained, skilled, tester, they are up to 98% accurate.

Bioelectrical Impedance

Bioelectrical Impedance is another method of assessing body fat percentage. There are a variety of body composition and body fat analyzers and scales available for home use that provide more than just total weight measurements. These devices determine total weight, the percent and amount of body fat, muscle mass, water, and even bone mass. While the readings can be affected by hydration levels, food intake, skin temperature, and other factors, if you follow the directions and take the reading under similar conditions, you will obtain the best results.

BMI – Body Mass Index

BMI or Body Mass Index, is another method of estimating a person’s body fat percentage based upon simple weight and height measurements. While the BMI calculation is an indirect measurement, it has been found to be a fairly reliable indicator of body fat measures in most people. Although some studies still question the accuracy of the BMI method of body fat measurement, especially for athletes.

Ideal Body Weight and Body Fat Percent

The ideal weight and fat-lean ratio varies considerably for men and women and by age, but the minimum percent of body fat considered safe for good health is 5 percent for males and 12% for females. The average adult body fat is closer to 15 to 18% for men and 22 to 25% for women.

Athletes tend to be at low end of this scale due to their increased lean weight (muscle mass). While low levels of body fat seem to be related to improved performance, body composition alone is not a great predictor of sports success. A linebacker needs to have enough body mass (lean and fat weight) to generate high forces and avoid injury. Body fat among elite athletes vary largely by sport. There is little evidence of any benefit when men drop under 8% and women drop under 14 percent body fat.

How Low Is Too Low?

While the average body fat percent in the United States and Europe is increasing, extremely low body fat percent is also a health problem. The female athlete triad highlights the problem. Women athletes who lose too much fat risk injury, decreased performance and health issues.

The female athlete triad refers specifically to three related health problems often found in women athletes:

Eating disorders and low energy availability.
Amenorrhea and menstrual disorders.
Decreased bone mass and increased risk of stress fractures and osteoporosis.

This attempt to reduce body fat by extreme measures not only leads to decreased exercise performance, but can lead to severe health complications. Nutrient deficiencies and fluid/electrolyte imbalance from low food intake can lead to increased risk of fractures, illness, loss of reproductive function and serious medical conditions such as dehydration, and starvation. The medical complications of this triad involve almost every body function and include the cardiovascular, endocrine, reproductive, skeletal, gastrointestinal, renal, and central nervous systems.

Read the updated American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand on the Female Athlete Triad.

How Much Body Fat Is Too Much?

Just as too little body fat can cause physiological complications, too much body fat is also harmful. For men over 25% and women over 32% fat there is a dramatic correlation with illness and disease.

Isn’t Body Composition Genetic?

Some aspects of your body composition are genetic (where you store fat), but most fat increase is related to lifestyle.

Can I Change My Body Composition?

Yes. To increase or decrease your percent of body fat you need to create the right balance between the calories in and calories out. The best way to do this is to decrease daily calories by about 500 and increase your exercise. Aerobic exercise along with strength training is ideal. If you are beginning a new exercise program, you are advised to first consult your physician.

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Body Composition Scale – Measurement Techniques Part 5 (Types Of Anthropometric Measurement)

bodycompositionscale — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:31:43 +0000

Body Composition Scale – Measurement Techniques Part 5 (Types Of Anthropometric Measurement)

Skinfold methods

The skinfold estimation methods are based on a skinfold test, whereby a pinch of skin is precisely measured by calipers at several standardized points on the body to determine the subcutaneous fat layer thickness. These measurements are converted to an estimated body fat percentage by an equation. Some formulas require as few as three measurements, others as many as seven.

The accuracy of these estimates is more dependent on a person’s unique body fat distribution than on the number of sites measured. As well, it is of utmost importance to test in a precise location with a fixed pressure. Although it may not give an accurate reading of real body fat percentage, it is a reliable measure of body composition change over a period of time, provided the test is carried out by the same person with the same technique.

Skinfold-based body fat estimation is sensitive to the type of caliper used, and technique. This method also only measures one type of fat: subcutaneous adipose tissue (fat under the skin). Two individuals might have nearly identical measurements at all of the skin fold sites, yet differ greatly in their body fat levels due to differences in other body fat deposits such as visceral adipose tissue: fat in the abdominal cavity.

Some models partially address this problem by including age as a variable in the statistics and the resulting formula. Older individuals are found to have a lower body density for the same skinfold measurements, which is assumed to signify a higher body fat percentage. However, older, highly athletic individuals might not fit this assumption, causing the formulas to underestimate their body density.

Height and circumference methods

There also exist formulas for estimating body fat percentage from an individual’s weight and girth measurements. For example, the U.S. Navy Circumference method compares abdomen or waist and hips measurements to neck measurement and height and other sites claim to estimate one’s body fat percentage by a conversion from the body mass index. In the Navy the method is known as the “rope and choke.”

The U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army also rely on the Height and Circumference method. For males, they measure the neck and waist just above the navel. Females are measured around the hips, waist, and neck. These measurements are compared to a height/weight chart with age factored in as well. This method is used because it is a cheap and convenient way to implement a body fat test throughout the entire Department of Defense.

Due to different body compositions, those with larger necks may artificially generate lower body fat percentage calculations than those with smaller necks.

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