BMI Measurement

What is BMI? It stands for body mass index, and is a chart-based index that is supposed to give you an idea of body fat based on your height and weight. The Body Mass Index rating chart are available for both men and women. Based on averages, your the Body Mass Index Rating Chart can give you an idea of where you fall in terms of body fat. The results are shown in underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. However, keep in mind that BMI is not a complete indication of your health nor give you an accurate percentage.

Is There a Better Way?

If you are interested in a more accurate picture of your body composition, consider having your body fat percentage tested. This sounds complicated, but it's not! There is a very simple way to have your body fat calculated. Most personal trainers are trained in determining body fat and can do this simple test for you. Even if you don't belong to a health club, you can probably have this done at a gym, or you can contact a personal trainer who works with individuals at home.

How is it Done?

The truth is that, while it doesn't hurt physically, your pride may take a small hit. But remember--this is for your health! When you know what your body fat percentage is, you can calculate reasonable and healthy weight loss goals.

Fat calipers are used to pinch your fat on various parts of your body. Someone who is trained in this knows where to pinch and measure, which will give you the most accurate results. When you have the test later, go back to the same person. Typical pinch points include the back of your arm, behind your shoulder, on your abdominals, and on your thigh. Depending on who is doing the pinching, he or she may use additional locations, but they won't be anywhere that you'll need to remove your underwear.

Once you've survived the pinching, the trainer will then calculate your body fat percentage for you. You can then use this number to determine your lean body mass, which is everything except your fat, and then determine a realistic weight loss goal. What's a safe body fat percentage? Ideally, it shouldn't be much over twenty-five percent for men or thirty-two percent for women. For women, anything under fourteen percent may be reaching into a danger zone, and for men, anything under eight percent may be too low.

Calculating Your Lean Body Weight

How much would you weigh if you had no fat? Well, take your body weight and multiply this by your body fat percentage. That's your pounds of fat. Subtract this number from your total weight and that's how much you'd weigh if you had no fat. Of course, this number is not only impossible, but also unrealistic. Calculate what you'd weigh at, say, twenty percent body fat (or a safe goal), and you'll have a target number.

Below is a webpage that I found useful for those who want to know their ideal body fat levels.  

Check it out here