Body mass index or bmi is used as a screening tool for overweight or obesity. Genetics matter but dont tell the whole story. Like the waist circumference the waist to hip ratio whr is also used to measure abdominal obesity. There is a clear genetic tendency for obesity. While not as accurate as skinfold measurements taken by a trained. Currently 34 percent of americans are overweight and a separate 34 percent are obese according to the center for disease control and prevention in atlanta.
Body circumference measurements and body fat scales that use bioelectrical impedance are both methods you can do on your own. Adult body mass index bmi body mass index bmi is a persons weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. But only for a relatively small percentage of. The body fat index is not an indicator of fitness level since the calculation is made with no regard to height or weight. Use a tape measure to determine your waist wrist hip and forearm circumference. Its calculated by measuring the waist and the hip at the widest diameter of the buttocks and then dividing the waist measurement by the hip measurement.
Then input your gender and measurements below to receive a body fat index based on average values. Being obese means that body fat is now beyond an accepted standard for your height. A high bmi can be an indicator of high body fatness. Obesity is defined as an excessively high amount of body fat or adipose tissue in relation to lean body mass. And if your number is 30 to 35 or more youre considered obese. Between 25 and 299 means youre considered overweight.
Bmi isnt always accurate however because it doesnt account for factors.