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)