The body mass index is a number to show body fat but is an estimate based on height and weight. It is an approximate number and can be helpful in determining what is healthy for adults. The calculation does not apply to children. A high BMI is a sign of higher fat content and needs to be adjusted with diet and exercise to get in healthy ranges.

Other facts to know:
This measurement cannot differentiate between muscle weight and fat weight and extremely muscular individuals need additional methods. Exact BMI can be determined with one of several other options available:

• Hydrostatic Weighing: underwater weighing that helps decipher a person’s fat mass and muscle mass. This measurement is not calculated in pounds.
• Navy Method: Wrap measuring tape around specific parts of body and put the resulting circumferences into a special formula. This determines body fat percentage.
• Skin Fold Test: Also known as a “pinch test,” you measure different points of body fat by squeezing the top layer of body fat together with calipers. Like the Navy Method, the results are put into a special equation to help determine overall body fat.

Lose inches not just pounds:
A person who is working to lose weight, should know that a decrease in pounds, does not necessarily mean a decrease in body fat! In reality, the weight could be from loss of muscle mass which is not always beneficial. Most often, the goal is to actually build lean muscle mass, and lose fat. It is important to measure weight loss progress by identifying how many inches are lost in a certain area of your body, as well as how many pounds have been lost. As described above, one way to measure this is by a “pinch test.”

Variance:
In most cases, men have a lower BMI than women because they have a higher percentage of lean muscle mass. This lean muscle mass increases their metabolism and helps them lose fat and burn calories faster.

Women are said to have a higher BMI percentage to assist in the reproductive and child bearing process.

Older individuals also have a higher BMI percentage than younger ones. Often times, older people workout less and have less lean muscle as a result, but this is not a natural age requirement as much as it is a result of less activity

Risks:
The higher your BMI, the more health problems you risk. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and a less active lifestyle. It is important to maintain a proactive lifestyle for a happier healthier life.

Too low of a BMI can also lead to health problems. You may have a low BMI if you are an endurance or high level athlete. A certain amount of body fat is considered essential because it pads and cushions the internal organs. Again, it is important to try and maintain a healthy percentage of body fat in order to stay healthy and happy.

Learn More:
To learn more about the importance of muscle mass, how to lose fat, and what metabolic rate is, read about “BMR.”