INFORMATION ON BODY COMPOSITION
BODY MASS INDEX
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. BMI is a reliable indicator of body fatness for people. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat. BMI is used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems for adults.
BMI is calculated by using the following formula based on a ratio between your weight and height:
BMI = weight (lb) / height (inches) / height (inches) × 703
Interpreting the BMI Result
BMI | BMI (Designation by the WHO) | BMI Classification Bar | BMI Rating | |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 18.5 | - (Underweight) |
| 7.0 | - 10.7 |
| 10.8 - 14.5 | |||
|
|
| 14.6 | - 18.4 |
18.5 or more and less than 25 | 0 (Normal) |
| 18.5 | - 20.5 |
| 20.6 - 22.7 | |||
|
|
| 22.8 | - 24.9 |
25 or more and less than 30 | + (Overweight) |
| 25.0 | - 26.5 |
| 26.6 - 28.2 | |||
|
|
| 28.3 | - 29.9 |
30 or more | ++ (Obese) |
| 30.0 | - 34.9 |
| 35.0 - 39.9 | |||
|
|
| 40.0 | - 90.0 |
Source: Values for obesity judgment proposed by WHO, the World Health Organization.
BODY FAT
Body fat serves a vital role in storing energy and protecting internal organs. We carry two types of fat in our bodies: 1) essential fat which is stored in small amounts to protect the body and 2) stored fat which is stocked for energy during physical activity. While too much body fat may be unhealthy, having too little fat can be just as unhealthy. Also, the distribution of body fat in men and women is different, so the basis for classifying the body fat percentage is different between the genders.
Interpreting the Body Fat Percentage Result
Gender | Age | Low | Normal (0) | High (+) | Very High (++) | |
| < 21.0 | 21.0 | - 32.9 | 33.0 - 38.9 | _ | |
| > 39.0 | |||||
Female | < 23.0 | 23.0 | - 33.9 | 34.0 - 39.9 | _ | |
> 40.0 | ||||||
| < 24.0 | 24.0 | - 35.9 | 36.0 - 41.9 | _ | |
| > 42.0 | |||||
| < 8.0 | 8.0 | - 19.9 | 20.0 - 24.9 | _ | |
| > 25.0 | |||||
Male | < 11.0 | 11.0 | - 21.9 | 22.0 - 27.9 | _ | |
> 28.0 | ||||||
| < 13.0 | 13.0 | - 24.9 | 25.0 - 29.9 | _ | |
| > 30.0 | |||||
Source: NIH/WHO guidelines for BMI
Source: Gallagher et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 72, Sept. 2000
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