Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI)

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Julia333

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI)

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Posts: 66733

(26 Mar, 2009 11:52 AM)

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The body mass index (BMI) is an approximate measure of body fat. It is based on your height and weight.

BMI 19 - 25 = Normal weight
BMI 25 - 29.9 = Overweight
BMI 30 - 40 = Obese
BMI 40+ = Morbidly Obese

Body Mass Index Calculator

My Results - 24.66

What a road of rubbish! Ideally I should weigh 7 stone as I'm only 5' 0" and of small frame. After quitting smoking I now weigh 9 stone which is 2 stone overweight! Yet the results say I'm of normal weight. Bo**ocks!

Here's two other types of calculators which measure body fat, which Lyndsey posted below (post # 3).

Body Fat Calculator

Body Fat Percentage Calculator

Last Edited By: Julia333 26 Mar, 2009 2:17 PM. Edited 2 times.

LyndseyKK

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(26 Mar, 2009 12:34 PM)

Body mass indexes are rubbish indeed. They are NOT measures of body fat in any way - a person could be very muscular and come out with a high BMI. And they can't take into account whether someone has a small or large frame.

I'll try to get you a new body fat calculator today.

Julia333

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(26 Mar, 2009 1:02 PM)

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Yay! I was hoping you'd offer, Lyndsey. When you find it, I'll add it to the lead post of this thread so it isn't missed.

LyndseyKK

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Posts: 1478

(26 Mar, 2009 1:48 PM)

Here's one I recognize from using in the past, but it doesn't give directions as to exactly where to take the measurements. I am pretty sure for women, waist should be at your smallest part, and hips should be at your widest. But I don't know about forearm. I believe the directions were included in that other calculator that didn't work for you.

http://www.runnersworld.com/bodyfatcalc/

Here's another:

http://www.dietandfitnesstoday.com/body-fat-percentage-calculator.php that only asks for waist, hip, height and neck, and gives directions for where to take the measurement.

Isn't it funny that some of these don't even care about height and weight?

LyndseyKK

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Posts: 1479

(26 Mar, 2009 2:22 PM)

Julia, can you haul out that other link that I gave you earlier, the one that didn't work for you, and put it up top too? It's quite different from the other 2.

Julia333

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Posts: 66759

(26 Mar, 2009 2:31 PM)

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Thanks very much, Lyndsey. I appreciate that and have added them to the lead post.

I haven't added the other at the top as it didn't work for me.

I must say, the two you've just posted seem a lot more accurate than the famous Body Mass Index (BMI).

Here's the graphic I grabbed from your first link here.

My result is 26.81 which is considered "Acceptance"

My result for the second one is a lot higher, i.e. 35.71.

Now, if this means that I have 30% surplus fat, then I'd come under the obese category "You are obese if your BMI is 30 or higher". Have I understood this correctly?

LyndseyKK

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Posts: 1480

(26 Mar, 2009 2:37 PM)

No, you are not understanding that last bit correctly. You cannot compare Body FAT results with Body MASS Index results. Do not use your BF result on the BMI chart, it is meaningless. It's like saying you've got 5 apples when someone asks you how many oranges you have.

Julia333

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(26 Mar, 2009 2:50 PM)

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This is confusing me, Lyndsey …..

You are considered obese if you're a male and your body fat percentage is over 25%, and you're obese if you're female and your body fat percentage is over 35%.

Source

I saw similar from a few sources, though the figures varied. One said women are considered obese if their fat percentage is over 25%.

Here's another source.

Source

Last Edited By: Julia333 26 Mar, 2009 2:53 PM. Edited 1 times.

Julia333

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Posts: 66761

(26 Mar, 2009 3:01 PM)

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Another ...

The American Dietetic Association recommends that men have 15-18% body fat and women have 20-25% body fat. The following table describes body fat ranges and their associated categories, according to the American Council on Exercise:

Classification 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 25% plus

Source

I'm confused! Are these talking about BMI, then?

LyndseyKK

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Posts: 1481

(26 Mar, 2009 3:03 PM)

I don't know what to say Julia! BF calculators give a range of results. Don't obsess on the numbers. You know you want to lose a bit of weight, and you know what weight you are comfortable at. Just aim for that - and use ONE calculator (the one with the most flattering results

) to check your progress now and then. Or just use the scale and your waist size to check your progress, and never mind the BF calculations.

LyndseyKK

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Posts: 1482

(26 Mar, 2009 3:05 PM)

And it's HOGWASH that 25% is considered obese for women!!! Perhaps they've based that remark on a particular "method" for the measurement - but no doubt they didn't mention the method. So just generally, NO a woman is NOT obese at 25% BF. I'm around 25% BF using one of the measurement methods, and I am nowhere close to obese.

Julia333

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Posts: 66762

(26 Mar, 2009 4:43 PM)

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Well, that's a relief, otherwsie I could end up

Actually, I'd rather simply follow what my tape measure and scales tell me (though I do think these calculators are interesting and fun). I'll be happy when I lose 6" from my waist, 4" from my hips and 2 stone in weight.

gentleharry.gethelp

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Posts: 23

(30 Mar, 2009 12:01 PM)

Hi Julia,

You keep being happy and keep that lovely smile most of the day if at all possible. What a lovelly picture................I have so many neighbours who dont have weight issues and most of them are grumpy...........neither a smile or a " what about yee harry "...........yes i understand what you are hitting at with the weight being on your mind..................Be yourself.

Now hows this for fun and excercise althou i like the slow stuff

harry

Julia333

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Posts: 67035

(31 Mar, 2009 9:36 PM)

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Awww, thank you, Harry. Had I seen your post earlier I wouldn't have changed my avatar, but I can always change it back. I just needed a change. You are right about smiles making a difference, and the great thing is they take such little effort yet make a big difference to people's days.

Dancing is certainly a lot more fun than boring skipping and walking. Maybe I should fulfill my ambition and learn the Tango.