Tracking these will help gauge your health.
As the new year begins, many people are eager to embark on weight loss journeys. However, there’s often confusion about whether to rely on BMI (Body Mass Index) or body fat measurements to gauge the necessary weight loss.
According to Claire Edgemon, a senior registered dietitian at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, both body fat percentage and BMI hold significance but shouldn’t be the sole basis for assessing health. “Using BMI alone may give a misleading view of an individual’s health,” she emphasized.
BMI solely considers weight relative to height, overlooking factors like muscle, bone density, and fat mass. Edgemon highlighted that BMI fails to account for metabolic aspects, emphasizing the need to also monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels for a comprehensive health evaluation.
On the other hand, body fat percentage precisely measures the portion of weight attributed to fat. A quick assessment involves measuring waist circumference—over 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men might signal higher abdominal fat and associated health risks, as noted by Edgemon.
Edgemon further explained that while there’s a general healthy body fat range—approximately 25-31% for women and 18-24% for men—these numbers don’t consider factors like age or athletic condition.
To obtain a clearer health evaluation, Edgemon recommends considering both BMI and body fat percentage. If results raise concerns, focusing on diet and exercise can help achieve a healthier body fat percentage and BMI throughout the new year.
She advised aiming for 150 minutes of moderate activity five days a week, incorporating muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice weekly to elevate heart rate. Additionally, she highlighted the benefits of a more plant-centered diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats for improved nutrition.
For individuals aiming to lose weight without a specific target, checking both BMI and body fat percentage can provide a more accurate path toward weight loss goals.
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