BMI Calculation and Body Fat Percentage

Body Mass Index is calculated using your weight and height to give you your BMI number. This number is used to group you in one of five categories. To find your BMI number use the following formula: BMI=(weight in pounds x 703)/(height in inches x height in inches) After figuring your BMI number you can determine your classification in the chart below.

BMI Range	BMI Category
18.5 or less	Underweight
18.6 to 25.0	Ideal Weight
25.1 to 30.0	Overweight
30.1 to 40.0	Obese
40.1 and over	Morbidly Obese

Body Fat Percentage The 3 mostly used ways to measure your body fat percentage are as follows:

Digital Fat Scale

All you do is step on the scale and an electrical current is sent through your body at a very low voltage. The electrical scale gathers the readings and displays your percent of body fat in a matter of seconds.

Caliper Skinfold Method (Pinch Method)

This is usually performed at a doctors office or a gym by measuring specific areas of your body with skinfold calipers. This is only as accurate as the person performing the test.

Underwater Test

These are almost only done at health clubs and weight loss clinics. You are put in a tank and the amount of water displaced is measured. Muscle and bone are more dense than water so a person with a low body fat percentage will displace more water than someone with a higher fat percentage. This is considered the most accurate way to measure body fat percentage.

Below is a chart of Body Fat Classification

Classification	Women (Fat %)	Men (Fat %)
Essential Fat	10-12 %	2-4 %
Athletes	13-20 %	5-13 %
Fitness	21-24 %	14-17 %
Acceptable	25-31 %	18-25 %
Obese	32% and over	26% and over

Hope this information was helpful.. ~NiCoLe~

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