BMI Shouldn't Be Your Only Health Check

BMI Shouldn't Be Your Only Health Check. Body Mass Index (BMI) is still touted as an important measure in determining whether you are obese or overweight. The fomula to work it out is your weight in kilos divided by your height in metres squared to give you a number which is your BMI. The BMI supposed safe ranges are between 18.5 to 24.9. Anything under that range is classed as underweight and anything over is classed as overweight. Anything over 30 is classed as obese. Generally this is quite ok, however in the current climate of 54% overweight or obesity levels in Aussie adults we need to be carefull on how we take the BMI resuts.

I don't like to solely rely on BMI readings because truly effective methods of reducing body fat levels should include building lean muscle mass. Lean muscle tissue is heavier than body fat so if an individual is containing good stores of lean muscle tissue there is a fair chance his BMI reading is going to be in the overweight range. As an example my BMI is 28 currently. I would have to lose 10 kilos to get into the safe range. Not happening sorry. But here is my point. By using a skin fold (body fat) reading with your BMI you will definately find out whether you are really overweight and at risk of Lifestyle diseases such as heart disease and Type II diabetes. Incidently 2 million Aussies have Type II diabetes currently.If your BMI is high and your body fat range is around the 15 - 20% mark you are fine. Try to get closer to 15% if possible.

However if your BMI is high and body fat levels are both high, take action quick. Start with your nutrition whilst gradually increasing activity levels. To get the most bang for your lifestyle buck include resistance training in your health, wellbeing and fat loss efforts. If you need help getting started pick up this complimentary Complete Nutrition Package.