Not all ways of measuring body fat were created equal

In recent years BMI, or body mass index, has become a widespread term for how to determine if a person is overweight or obese. With stories out each day about the health impacts of obesity and the growth of America’s waistlines, BMI is often touted as a standard measure.

While BMI can be a good tool for quickly determining a healthy height to weight ratio, an individual’s breakdown of fat in their body cannot be determined using this method. It is not uncommon for those in the fitness field such as myself and other trainers to fall into the obese category using BMI. BMI only takes into account height-to-weight ratios, not lean-to-fat weight percentages.

One method we use to measure Texas Health Fitness Center HEB members is Bioelectrical Impedence. Bioelectrical Impedence is an excellent alternative and often preferable due to its accuracy (+/- 3%). Small electro pads are applied to an individual’s hand and foot. Unnoticeable microcurrent signals are transmitted throughout the body and the rate at which the signal returns helps to determine the body’s composition (fat weight to lean weight ratio). No method is without imperfections. Dehydration can cause a “higher” body fat percentage ratio. The Bioelectrical Impedence unit we utilize at the Texas Health Fitness Center gives us the hydration level of the tested individual. This allows us to make the needed corrections to more accurately determine an individual’s body composition. Most home scales that claim to use the same Bioelectrical Impedence technology will not give a hydration level. So the possibility of an inaccurate reading needs to be considered when using them.

Bottom line is it’s important to be healthy. Knowing your approximate percentage of body fat can be a good indicator of what steps might help you improve your health. But just like the scale, the number shouldn’t rule your life.

You’re great the way you are. But, if you want to lose a little weight and make a few friends along the way to help support you, please give me a call at 817-267-9191.

Mike Moore, B.S., C.S.C.S.
Supervisor, Fitness Staff/Member Services
Texas Health Fitness Center HEB