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INFORMATION ON BODY COMPOSITION
BODY MASS INDEX
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. BMI is a reliable
indicator of body fatness for people. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but research has shown that
BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat. BMI is used as a screening tool to identify possible weight
problems for adults.
BMI is calculated by using the following formula based on a ratio between your weight and height:
BMI = weight (lb) / height (inches) / height (inches) × 703
Interpreting the BMI Result
Source: Values for obesity judgment proposed by WHO, the World Health Organization.
BODY FAT
Body fat serves a vital role in storing energy and protecting internal organs. We carry two types of fat in
our bodies: 1) essential fat which is stored in small amounts to protect the body and 2) stored fat which is
stocked for energy during physical activity. While too much body fat may be unhealthy, having too little
fat can be just as unhealthy. Also, the distribution of body fat in men and women is different, so the basis
for classifying the body fat percentage is different between the genders.
Interpreting the Body Fat Percentage Result
Source: NIH/WHO guidelines for BMI
Source: Gallagher et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 72, Sept. 2000
Gender Age Low (–) Normal (0) High (+) Very High (++)
Female
20-39
< 21.0 21.0 - 32.9 33.0 - 38.9
39.0
40-59
< 23.0 23.0 - 33.9 34.0 - 39.9
40.0
60-79
< 24.0 24.0 - 35.9 36.0 - 41.9
42.0
Male
20-39
< 8.0 8.0 - 19.9 20.0 - 24.9
25.0
40-59
< 11.0 11.0 - 21.9 22.0 - 27.9
28.0
60-79
< 13.0 13.0 - 24.9 25.0 - 29.9
30.0
7.0 - 10.7
10.8 - 14.5
14.6 - 18.4
18.5 - 20.5
20.6 - 22.7
22.8 - 24.9
25.0 - 26.5
26.6 - 28.2
28.3 - 29.9
30.0 - 34.9
35.0 - 39.9
40.0 - 90.0
Less than 18.5
18.5 or more and less than 25
25 or more and less than 30
30 or more
- (Underweight)
0 (Normal)
+ (Overweight)
++ (Obese)
BMI
BMI (Designation by the WHO)
BMI Classification Bar
BMI Rating
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