This session is to review three Health Indicators – Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Composition, Waist to Hip ratio (WHR) and to discuss their practical significance. To note, the standards are not universal and there are charts from different resources with noticeable variances. You should stick with one set of rules for consistence. The change from baseline is more meaningful than the absolute measurement.
BMI, the most commonly used measure for body fat, is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of his/her height in meters (kg/m2). Current guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization define a normal BMI range as 18.5 to 24.9. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9; obesity is defined as a BMI over 30.0; and severe obesity is defined as BMI 35 or higher. For a BMI calculator, go to http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm.
A study looking at deaths from any cause found that a body mass index (BMI) between 20.0 and 24.9 is associated with the lowest risk of death in healthy non-smoking adults. Investigators also provided precise estimates of the increased risk of death among people who are overweight and obese. Previous studies that examined the risks from being overweight were inconclusive, with some reporting only modestly increased risks of death and others showing a reduced risk. Also, the precise risks for different levels of obesity were uncertain. The research team included investigators from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, and collaborators from a dozen other major research institutions worldwide. The results appear in the Dec. 2, 2010, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Another source for ideal BMI is from ACE. The chart from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) is showing gender differences, which women appear to have a higher body fat percentage relative to men for a given level due to physiological differences.
Furthermore, if you are interested to know the body composition breakdown for muscle, water, and bone, from electronic devices, there are also reference ranges from Fitness.net for guidelines.
Note: these ranges are estimates; not absolutely scientific. For determination of your body composition, they're not accountable for absolute accuracy. For tracking changes in your body composition, however, they can be quite useful. These will not add up to 100% - Electronic testing is specifically inaccurate because of its dependence on your body conducting electricity, which can be altered by time of day, showering routines/wetness, hydration level, what you're eating day to day, and so on, and so on. As long as you're consistent in the routine patterns and using the same device, the results should be relevantly reliable.
BMI, the most commonly used measure for body fat, is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of his/her height in meters (kg/m2). Current guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization define a normal BMI range as 18.5 to 24.9. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9; obesity is defined as a BMI over 30.0; and severe obesity is defined as BMI 35 or higher. For a BMI calculator, go to http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm.
A study looking at deaths from any cause found that a body mass index (BMI) between 20.0 and 24.9 is associated with the lowest risk of death in healthy non-smoking adults. Investigators also provided precise estimates of the increased risk of death among people who are overweight and obese. Previous studies that examined the risks from being overweight were inconclusive, with some reporting only modestly increased risks of death and others showing a reduced risk. Also, the precise risks for different levels of obesity were uncertain. The research team included investigators from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, and collaborators from a dozen other major research institutions worldwide. The results appear in the Dec. 2, 2010, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Another source for ideal BMI is from ACE. The chart from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) is showing gender differences, which women appear to have a higher body fat percentage relative to men for a given level due to physiological differences.
Furthermore, if you are interested to know the body composition breakdown for muscle, water, and bone, from electronic devices, there are also reference ranges from Fitness.net for guidelines.
Note: these ranges are estimates; not absolutely scientific. For determination of your body composition, they're not accountable for absolute accuracy. For tracking changes in your body composition, however, they can be quite useful. These will not add up to 100% - Electronic testing is specifically inaccurate because of its dependence on your body conducting electricity, which can be altered by time of day, showering routines/wetness, hydration level, what you're eating day to day, and so on, and so on. As long as you're consistent in the routine patterns and using the same device, the results should be relevantly reliable.
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Waist to Hip ratio is simply a measurement of waist size compared to hip size. Long-term follow-up studies showed that so-called “abdominal obesity” was strongly associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and death, even after controlling for body mass index (BMI).
According to the World Health Organization, abdominal obesity is defined as Women: > 0.85, Men: > 0.9 in Waist-to-hip ratio. Scientists have long debated which measure of abdominal fat is the best predictor of health risk: Waist size alone or waist-to-hip ratio. The research to date has been mixed. In practice, it is easier to measure and interpret waist circumference than it is to measure both waist and hip. That makes waist circumference the better choice for many settings as stated by Harvard. edu. |
Now you should have found out where you stand. Action call -
Fit mind – Think fit and doable, manage stress, be persistent!
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Fit food – there is no magic diet; eat healthy and drink green tea.
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Fit body- Exercise and keep fit; Sleep 8 hours per night. Be energetic and happy.
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Feel free to contact qualitylifeforum@outlook.com for your health coaching needs.
© All rights reserved
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional for personal conditions.
References:
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-study-identifies-ideal-body-mass-index
http://blog.withings.com/2012/10/12/what-is-a-healthy-body-fat-percentage-lean-to-fat-ratio-2/
http://www.fitnesss.net/everything-about-muscle-mass-percentage-with-charts/
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-definition/abdominal-obesity/
© All rights reserved
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional for personal conditions.
References:
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-study-identifies-ideal-body-mass-index
http://blog.withings.com/2012/10/12/what-is-a-healthy-body-fat-percentage-lean-to-fat-ratio-2/
http://www.fitnesss.net/everything-about-muscle-mass-percentage-with-charts/
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-definition/abdominal-obesity/
