What’s more important? Body Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) or Body Fat?

So many of us worry about our weight, that awful number on the scale we tend to obsess over. But is body weight really the most important thing we should focus on?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is one way to calculate your level of health. BMI is based on your weight and height. After the numbers are calculated, a BMI number is given. (Calculate your BMI at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bmi-calculator/nu00597). Depending on where you fall into the chart, you can see the effect of weight on your health. Although some experts say the BMI numbers are way too general, BMI is a good way to rate your risk for disease.

Underweight	Less than 18.5
Recommended	18.6 to 24.9
Overweight	25.0 to 29.9
Obese	30 or greater

Another thing to look at is body fat percentage. When we weigh ourselves we’re including not just fat but water, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, muscles, etc. Because BMI and weight don’t take into account body fat, it’s important to know how much of your body is made up of fat. Too much can cause risk for disease.

Two of the most common ways to measure body fat are by using skin fold measurements and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Skin folds are done by taking a device called a caliper to pinch the skin in various locations to calculate the overall body fat percentage. Bioelectrical impedance is done by stepping on a type of scale to measure the fat by sending a signal that travels through the water found in muscle and fat. The more muscle a person has, the more water their body can hold. The more water in a person's body, the easier it is for the current to pass through it. The more fat there is the more resistance to the current. Although both are neither 100% accurate, they come close enough to give the necessary information to decide if a person is at a healthy fat percentage. Being in a range is more important than being a specific number. The following chart shows the ranges.

	Women	Men
Essential Fat	10-12%	2-4%
Athletes	14-20%	6-13%
Fitness	21-24%	14-17%
Acceptable	25-31%	18-25%
Obese	32% plus	26% plus

Lastly, also associated with BMI is waist circumference. Those holding most of their fat in their waistline are at a higher risk for blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes. If your BMI number is 25 or higher, than a waist circumference goal is 40 inches or less if you’re a man and 35 inches or less if you’re a woman.

All in all, it’s not just about the number on the scale. Knowing your BMI and body fat is important. Losing weight and fat isn’t just about fitting into an old pair of jeans; it’s about gaining better sleep patterns, reduced heart disease and cancers, and a healthier life.

For more info on this topic, check out this websites:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bmi-calculator/nu00597 (BMI calculator)

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/body-fat-measurement? (Bodyfat vs BMI)

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/WeightManagement/BodyMassIndex/Body-Mass-Index-BMI-Calculator_UCM_307849_Article.jsp (BMI and benefits of healthier weight)

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/Body-Composition-Tests_UCM_305883_Article.jsp (waist circumference)

HOW TO GET RID OF CELLULITE

One thing I’m asked about quite often is how to get rid of cellulite. I too, have seen the creams sold at the stores and think maybe they’ll get rid of the bumpy skin we call cellulite.

The truth is, no cream or surgery will completely get rid of it.

Cellulite: is used to describe the dimpled look of skin caused by an accumulation of fat found just below the surface of the skin.

Although genetics and tight undergarments may be one explanation for it, the reality is that nutrition and exercise play the biggest role. When you eat processed foods filled with lots of fats such as hamburgers and French fries, the body decides to store the excess fat instead of burn it. This excess fat makes the cells full causing them to push through a layer of skin making it appear bumpy.

If you reduce your processed food intake and focus on eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grain carbs, you are less likely to have cellulite.

Also, it’s important to make sure you’re burning fat during your cardio workout. Running sprints is a great way to decrease the look of cellulite. Your fitness level will determine your speed and time, but I generally try to do 1 minute walking 1 minute sprinting on the treadmill, 1 to 2 times a week. You want to make sure you’re cardio puts you in the proper heart rate range to burn fat and not glucose.

Lastly, it’s important to strength train. The more lean muscle mass you have, the less body fat you’ll have. It’s that simple.

So, there is no quick way to get rid of cellulite, but if you stick to a healthy lifestyle long term, you’ll hardly ever have to worry about cellulite!