While the question may seem an easy one to answer, the answer itself is difficult to accept.
Body Mass Index
Your Body Mass Index (B.M.I.) will provide you with a definitive answer. BMI is a ratio of your weight to your height. You can calculate your BMI by multiplying your weight (in pounds) by 703, then dividing by your height (in inches) squared.
- You are considered to be at a healthy weight if your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.
- You are classified as overweight if your BMI is between 25.0 and 29.9.
- A BMI that is greater than 30, places you in the obese range.
Chances are if you are reading this post you are either overweight or obese. It can be extremely difficult to think of yourself in these terms. However, you must accept the truth in order to move on to the next step – action.
You can feel and look fine and still be overweight. You may even be physically active and eat what you consider a reasonable diet. This does not matter. If your BMI is greater than 25, you are at an unhealthy weight and at an increased risk of developing several deadly medical conditions.
Waist Size
Another useful measure of determining if you are at a healthy weight is your waist circumference. Large amounts of fat around your midsection have been shown to increase the risks associated with being overweight. To determine your waist circumference, measure around your bare abdomen right above the two highest points of your hip.
If you are a man your measurement should be less than 40 inches and a woman measurement should be less than 35 inches. If your waist circumference is not what it should be, your first goal will be to get it there.
Body Fat Percentage
BMI and waist measurement are reliable ways to determine if you are at a healthy weight. However, some of you may still doubt that you are overweight or obese. For the skeptical among you, there is another measurement that may make you a believer – Body Fat Percentage (B.F.P.). BFP is the percent of your body that is composed of fat.
- For women 15% to 25% is considered to be a healthy BFP, and for men the range is 10% to 20%.
- A BFP of 25.1% to 30% is considered overweight for women and for men the range is 20.1& to 25% for men.
- If your BFP is greater than 30% (women) and greater than 25% (men) you are obese.
- Dexa Scanning (uses x-rays),
- Underwater Testing (uses water) or
- Bod Pods (uses air).
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**Please consult your physician, registered dietitian, or certified fitness professional before starting or changing your diet or exercise program.**
