| Reasonable Predictors | | | | Body-fat distribution (aka waist-to-hip ratio - WHR) is |
| Body Mass Index or BMI is frequently used by | | | | valuable in determining risk because body fat located |
| healthcare providers as a weight assessment tool and | | | | in the upper body (especially around the stomach |
| is derived by dividing body weight in kilograms by | | | | area) is a greater indicator of heart disease, diabetes |
| height in meters squared (BMI=kg/m²). Or, if you | | | | and prostate cancer than weight around the hips. |
| prefer, divide weight in pounds by height in inches | | | | NOTE: |
| squared, then multiply the result by 703. | | | | BMI is used to classify body weights in 4 general |
| | | | categories, and for different race types of body. For |
| Calculation: [150 ÷ (65)²] x 703 = 24.96 | | | | example: |
| While it is a reasonable predictor of individual risk for | | | | Generic European |
| developing chronic diseases and obesity related health | | | | * under 19 = underweight |
| problems, it has limitations. For example, BMI does | | | | * 19-24.9 = normal |
| not take into account the difference between | | | | * 25-29.9= overweight |
| excess fat and muscle. Consequently, fit and healthy | | | | * 30 or above - obese |
| people with a high proportion of muscle tissue can be | | | | Generic Asian (because excessive weight gain is a |
| erroneously classified as overweight. BMI measures | | | | greater health risk for those of us of Asian descent |
| total body weight, not the actual amount of fat a | | | | * under 19 = underweight |
| person is carrying. Some people are naturally stocky | | | | * 19-22.9 = normal |
| and have a body mass index that is in the | | | | * 23-24.9 = overweight |
| overweight category, when in fact their weight is | | | | * 25 or above = obese |
| due to muscle mass and a heavier bone structure | | | | BMI is a somewhat simplistic formula, but it is a guide. |
| rather than excess fat. | | | | Obesity is a sever health risk. The illness called 'early |
| Relying on BMI, scales, or even body fat | | | | death' being a normal result. Another factor is where |
| measurements alone can paint an inaccurate picture | | | | on your body the weight is, as fat is different |
| of realistic weight goals. It is more important to attain | | | | depending on where the fat cells are. Check also with |
| a healthy weight based upon several factors, | | | | your doctor or a reputable gym on your body fat |
| including: Family history, medical history, body-fat | | | | (depends on your body type). But here are some |
| distribution and body composition. | | | | general guides. |
| Family history takes into account genetic factors, | | | | Body fat Men |
| including physical characteristics that are good | | | | * 12%-20% - ideal |
| predictors when trying to establish weight loss and | | | | * 20.1-25.00% - overweight |
| management goals. Medical history is valuable in | | | | * over 25% - obese |
| assessing health risk factors and establishing weight | | | | Body Fat Women |
| loss goals that may be appropriate for type II | | | | * 15%- 22% - ideal |
| diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. | | | | * 22. |