Based on the formula (my weight in pounds divided by my height in inches squared ) times 703 equals a number .
The number I get is about 27.8 with 18.5 to 24.9 being normal 25 to 29.9 being over weight and over 30 being obese.
2006-11-04 17:17:53 · 6 answers · asked by concerned_earthling 4 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
BMI is much less accurate than the pinch test. Much more room for error in it because it has trouble distinguishing bone density, muscle mass, and fat sometimes.
2006-11-04 17:20:46 · answer #1 · answered by Angela 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BMI is a general way to determine a body mass ratio. It tends to be inaccurate a lot of times because it does not compare fat free mass to fat mass, it is just a relationship between height and weight. For example, I have a high BMI because I am 5'8 and 185lbs. If I use the BMI formula, I am an obese 20 year old male. It does not take into consideration that my body fat is 8% and that my fat mass is very low while my lean body mass is very high. Therefore, if you are an athlete, or someone who is is fairly decent shape or has a high amount of lean body mass, the BMI will be far off. Stick to your calipers, they measure fat mass compared to fat free mass.
2006-11-04 17:24:19 · answer #2 · answered by Jeff 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The BMI categories do not work if you're a bodybuilder (very muscular). Also, the pinch meter only measures subcutaneous fat, you might have a larger amount of visceral (abdominal) fat. One way to settle it would be to try a good impedance measure (the body fat "scales"). This would give you an indication which one is more appropriate for your body type. Finally, if it's really important to you, the gold standard is underwater weighing - not sure where you might go to get this done, you might ask your doctor or trainer.
2006-11-04 17:24:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a lot of muscle, the BMI isn't going to be very accurate for you. Muscle weighs more than fat, so people with athletic builds tend to read as overweight with the BMI when they're really just muscular.
2006-11-04 17:21:30 · answer #4 · answered by random6x7 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BMI is a dumb way of measuring "seems". seem on line for the thank you to calculate p.c. physique fat (its somewhat complicated!!!) because you are going to be lean and weigh lots or finished of disgusting fat and weigh lots and you have an identical BMI.
2016-12-28 13:15:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I think the BMI is a crock. It is okay for some things, but it doesn't take into account anything besides height and weight, which isn't everything that attributes to someones weight.
2006-11-04 17:22:02 · answer #6 · answered by makin_the_same_mistakes 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋