Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a quick calculation used for determining weight classifications. It is based on the recommended body weight for a person’s height.
The calculation was developed as way for researchers and health care providers to determine, quickly, whether an individual is obese. It is widely marketed as a tool to increase awareness of the obesity epidemic occurring in the United States!
BMI does not distinguish between the amount of lean body tissue and fat on a person. This fact can result in misleading results.
BMI is based on body weight and height only.
| BMI Ranges |
Weight Status |
| Below 18.5 |
Underweight |
| 18.5 - 24.9 |
Normal |
| 25.0 - 29.9 |
Overweight |
| 30 or greater |
Obese |
It is possible for an individual that has a high amount of lean tissue to have a falsely high BMI number. This is because lean tissue weighs more than fat tissue. So even though the individual is not obese, the higher body weight, due to more lean tissue, results in a larger BMI number. This is why it is so important to monitor percent body fat.
On the other hand, for extremely obese individuals BMI may be a better gauge for monitoring body fat. It is difficult to obtain consistent and accurate percent body fat readings for very obese individuals.
This is due to water content and compressibility issues that develop when trying to measure an extreme amount of fat, which is why many researchers and health professionals are such strong supporters of the BMI calculation to increase awareness of obesity.
If you have a high BMI the question you may be asking yourself is "how do I know if my BMI is high because of lean tissue or fat tissue?” The answer is simple, measure your percent body fat!
Percent body fat is the only number that allows you to determine your body composition. This allows you to determine how much of your body weight is lean mass and how much is fat mass.
My personal suggestion is to be aware of what your BMI number is. But use it with your percent body fat and a little common sense.
General Percent Body Fat Ranges for Women
| % Body Fat |
Category |
| 10 – 12 |
Essential |
| 14 – 20 |
Athletes |
| 21 – 24 |
Fitness |
| 25 – 31 |
Acceptable |
| 32 and up |
Obese |
Did you know 65% of women aged 45-55 and 70% of women aged 55-75 are overweight with 40% of those women being obese. If you are reading this and thinking “I fall into this group” then your health depends on taking the necessary steps required to make a change today.
Many people might think menopause and lower estrogen levels are the reason for the statistics above, but it is not. Science has not been able to show or even relate the weight gain so many women experience during the menopause transition to lower estrogen levels. In fact, it doesn’t even make sense, lower estrogen levels should be making you leaner!
Let me reveal a little secret to you, the weight gain you’ve experienced - you know that extra junk on your belly, and the love handles only men are supposed to get - is a direct result of the loss of lean muscle tissue. That’s right. It has been reported that the average adult loses half of a pound of muscle a year after the age of 35.
You may not realize it, but that little bit of muscle loss has a massive impact on how much you can eat without gaining weight. Meaning - what you were able to get away with eating last year will make you FAT this year.
Of course you can easily counteract this phenomenon. All you need is 30-40 minutes a day, and the determination to incorporate resistance training and proper macronutrient profiling into your life.
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