What bmi should i have

Storage fat : Fatty tissue protects the internal organs in the chest and abdomen, and the body can use it if necessary for energy.

BMI, in contrast, does not distinguish between fat and muscle mass. The most common ways of measuring body fat percentage is to use a skinfold measurement, which uses special calipers to pinch the skin. The health professional will measure tissue on the thigh, abdomen, chest for men or upper arm for women. The techniques provide an accurate reading within around 3. Other techniques include :. None of these can give a percent accurate reading, but the estimates are close enough to give a reasonable assessment.

In this video by What Matters Nutrition , David Brewer, a registered dietician, takes a look at the question of ideal weight, discussing many of the points raised above. Combining them may be the best way to get an accurate idea of whether you should consider taking action or not.

Anyone who is concerned about their weight, waist size, or body composition should speak to a doctor or nutritionist. They will be able to advise about suitable options. BMI has been used for more than years to assess weight, but how accurate is it?

Is there a better way to measure health risk in relation to body…. The best bathroom scales for a person will depend on their needs and what they want to measure. Here, we look at eight of the best bathroom scales…. BMI is one measure of body size. Here, learn how counting calories and considering portion sizes can help a person reach weight and fitness goals.

Also, find tips and tools that can…. The weight of a year-old can be affected by a range of factors, including the onset of puberty. Learn about the averages by sex and the factors to…. BMI calculations will overestimate the amount of body fat for:. However, BMI cannot differentiate between body fat and muscle mass. This means there are some exceptions to the BMI guidelines:. BMI calculations used for adults are not a suitable measure of weight for children or adolescents. They are useful for the assessment of overweight and obesity in children aged over two years.

To calculate a child's BMI, you can use the body mass index calculator for children and teenagers. However, BMI charts should be used only as a guide to indicate when to make small lifestyle changes, and when to seek further guidance from a doctor or a dietitian. The link between being overweight or obese and the chance you will become ill is not definite. Research is ongoing. Statistically, there is a greater chance of developing various diseases if you are overweight.

When identifying health risk in adults, it is recommended that you combine your BMI classification with your waist circumference as a measurement of disease risk. Men, in particular, often deposit weight in the waist region and therefore have an increased risk of obesity-related disease.

Studies have shown that the distribution of body fat is linked to an increased prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Generally, the associations between health risks and body fat distribution are:. Being physically active, avoiding smoking, and eating unsaturated fat instead of saturated fat have been shown to decrease the risk of developing abdominal obesity.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. Engaging in an individual physical activity to benefit only yourself, away from family or community, may be seen as inappropriate or selfish. Aerobics injuries are usually caused by trauma and overuse, but can be prevented by using the right techniques and equipment. The size of a standard drink can vary according to the type of alcohol.

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Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Adult BMI Calculator. Minus Related Pages. Height: Feet. Weight: Pounds. For the information you entered: Height: Weight: Your BMI is , indicating your weight is in the category for adults of your height. How is BMI used?

Why is BMI used to measure overweight and obesity? What are other ways to assess excess body fatness? How is BMI calculated? How is BMI interpreted for adults? Is BMI interpreted the same way for children and teens as it is for adults?