There are two different methods used to measure if a person is obese or not. Percentage body fat and BMI. They are used for different things.
The simplest way to measure is BMI, or body mass index. A copy of the chart that tell you if your BMI is too great or low can be found here: Bit.ly/fQSlMG. You can calculate your own BMI. Divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres, or divide your weight in pounds by the square of your height in inches, then multiply by 703. Alternatively search BMI calculator in a search engine and there are a variety that will do it for you.
BMI is a standard comparison for weight and height, no matter what your gender. Therefore for the average person it will be an accurate representation. A BMI between 19 and 22 is considered healthy, BMI about 25 is considered overweight, and above 30 obese.
However, for people who are athletic or very muscular, BMI does not normally apply so much. If you are an athlete weight based on percentage body fat would be a better indicator or what you should weigh.This is calculated by taking the total weight of a persons body fat and dividing it by the persons total weight. It men a typical percentage body fat would be between 3 and 5 percent. While in women it is higher at between 8 and 12 percent.
While each of these two numbers percent different ideas as to how over or underweight a person is. Together they can give a very accurate representation of how much you should weight for your height and body shape. If you are worried about your weight and are unsure of what the numbers tell you specifically, consult your local GP.
Sources: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5297790.stm
The simplest way to measure is BMI, or body mass index. A copy of the chart that tell you if your BMI is too great or low can be found here: Bit.ly/fQSlMG. You can calculate your own BMI. Divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres, or divide your weight in pounds by the square of your height in inches, then multiply by 703. Alternatively search BMI calculator in a search engine and there are a variety that will do it for you.
BMI is a standard comparison for weight and height, no matter what your gender. Therefore for the average person it will be an accurate representation. A BMI between 19 and 22 is considered healthy, BMI about 25 is considered overweight, and above 30 obese.
However, for people who are athletic or very muscular, BMI does not normally apply so much. If you are an athlete weight based on percentage body fat would be a better indicator or what you should weigh.This is calculated by taking the total weight of a persons body fat and dividing it by the persons total weight. It men a typical percentage body fat would be between 3 and 5 percent. While in women it is higher at between 8 and 12 percent.
While each of these two numbers percent different ideas as to how over or underweight a person is. Together they can give a very accurate representation of how much you should weight for your height and body shape. If you are worried about your weight and are unsure of what the numbers tell you specifically, consult your local GP.
Sources: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5297790.stm
