COMPUTER INSTRUCTIONS
UNDERSTANDING THE READOUT INFORMATION
1. BODY FAT %
Your body fat percentage is simply the percentage of fat your body contains. If you are 150 pounds and 10% fat, it means that your body consists of 15 pounds fat and 135 pounds lean body mass (bone, muscle, organ tissue, blood and everything else).
A certain amount of fat is essential to bodily functions. Fat regulates body temperature, cushions and insulates organs and tissues and is the main form of the body's energy storage. The table describes body fat ranges and their associated categories.
General Body Fat Percentage Categories
Classification | Women (fat %) | Men (fat %) | ||
Essential Fat | 10 - 12% | 2 | - | 4% |
Athletes | 14 - 20% | 6 - 13% | ||
Fitness | 21 - 24% | 14 | - | 17% |
Acceptable | 25 - 31% | 18 | - | 25% |
Obese | 32% plus | 25% plus | ||
2. BMI (BODY MASS INDEX)
Body Mass Index is a height/weight formula used by health and weight professionals around the world to assess a person's body weight. From your body mass index number you can see if you are underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese.
BMI conclusions vary slightly according to gender. Here is a general summary of
Underweight | Under 20 (19 for women) |
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Normal Weight | Between 20 and 24.99 |
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Overweight | Between 25 and 29.99 |
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Obese Class 1 | Between 30 and 34.99 |
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Obese Class 2 | Between 35 and 39.99 |
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Extreme Obesity | 40 and above |
3. BMR (BASAL METABOLIC RATE)
Basal Metabolic Rate is the rate at which the body burns calories to maintain normal body functions while at rest. BMR is the largest factor in determining overall metabolic rate and how many calories you need to maintain, lose or gain weight.
To lose weight, you should try to eat fewer calories than your basic calorie need. In order to lose weight, calories should not be your only concern. Exercise is vital, too.
4. BODY TYPE
There are 9 BODY TYPES divided according to the BODY FAT % calculated.
Type 1: 5% to 9% | Type 6: 30% to 34% |
Type 2: 10% to 14% | Type 7: 35% to 39% |
Type 3: 15% to 19% | Type 8: 40% to 44% |
Type 4: 20% to 24% | Type 9: 45% to 50% |
Type 5: 25% to 29% |
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Refer to the list to determine what body type you are.
When you know which type you are and diet and exercise correctly for that type, you will make much better progress.
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