BMI vs Body Fat Percentage

The rising acceptance of plus-size in fashion has brought to light an important topic. What is the difference between being plus-size and obese? Does the size of your clothes matter? We are going to explain it on this article BMI vs Body Fat Percentage

Size alone does not matter. Plus-size could mean that your body type is larger than most. It is not bad, as the body positivity movement has underscored. Determining the percentage of unhealthy fat in your body is, however, important. Too much of it can become a health issue. So, how do you determine if your weight status is a potential risk?

Determining your Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a good starting point. You can use our calculator. Find it at: BMI Calculator

An easy calculation, BMI measures your weight-to-height ratio. It is often used as a quick screening tool. BMI provides a general indication of whether a person is underweight, healthy, overweight, or obese. But it does not differentiate between fat and muscle, nor does it account for body fat distribution. Where your body accumulates fat is a better way of identifying potential health issues.

BMI can be useful for population-level studies or comparisons. However, there are more appropriate tools for certain populations, such as athletes, older adults, and pregnant women. 

Body Fat Percentage, or BFP, measures the proportion of weight that is fat. It is a more accurate measure than BMI alone. It can identify potential health risks. However, it is more complex and costly. It is done by professionals with specialized training and equipment. Techniques include skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. Results can be used to monitor body composition over time. 

As technical as body fat measurements are, they can vary. This can lead to inconsistencies. Cost also varies, and these BFP techniques are not available in all settings. 

As noted, BMI is a good place to begin. If your BMI is high, it could indicate an increased risk of chronic conditions. Examples are heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Remember that BMI does not distinguish between fat and muscle. Nor will it assess fat distribution. Abdominal fat, for instance, poses higher health risks.

What are the next steps if your BMI is high? Use BFP to directly assess your body fat. It will help you distinguish between fat and lean mass. BFP is also a better indicator of health risks. Examples are metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. BFP can also be useful for athletes or people involved with fitness training. It provides a more accurate picture of fitness.

So, are you plus-size or obese? Both BMI and BFP are useful in answering that question for you. Again, BMI is a good first step. You might consider visiting a medical professional for a BFP measurement if it is high. BFP takes into consideration other factors. Among these are waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. Health professionals often use BMI and BFP to provide a more comprehensive health evaluation. They can assess your cholesterol and sugar levels. They can also alert you to any potential health issues that may be hidden. 

You can improve your situation. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Healthy fats are found in, among other things, olive, soybean, and corn oils, avocados, nuts, seeds, and salmon. Avoid excessive sugar, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats. Meat, dairy, and fried foods are high in unhealthy fats. Read food labels!

Moderate your portions for each meal, and eat regularly. Get adequate sleep. Drink plenty of water. The amount of water ideal for you varies depending on your activity level, age, gender, and climate zone. Generally, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have established these guidelines:

• For men: About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids per day (just under one gallon).

For women: About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids per day (about 2/3 of a gallon).