Jul 05 2011
How to Measure Body Fat: Know if You are Overweight or Obese
Do you think you are obese or simply overweight? How can you tell the difference in the first place? Technically, overweight refers to an increased body weight in connection with the height if compared to the standard desirable weight. Some people may not literally be fat but they may be overweight because of a large muscle mass. Obesity, on the other hand, is an excessively high amount of body fat in relation to lean body mass.
Even with the difference between the two conditions, being obese or overweight has their own consequences to one’s health. Hence, it is important that it is detected and given a solution as soon as possible.
Read on and discover how you can determine whether you are overweight or obese. If you are in this category, losing weight should be included in your priorities.
Using BMI: Basic Tool in Determining Obesity
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the world’s most accepted assessment of obesity. Calculating your BMI will tell you whether you are obese or overweight. To get your BMI, know your weight in kilograms and your height in meters. Once you have them both, divide your weight by your height in meters squared. To interpret your BMI, check out these values:
• Below 18.5 Underweight
• 18.5 – 24.9 Normal
• 25.0 – 29.9 Overweight
• 30.0 and Above Obese
If your BMI states that you are obese, you can then classify the state of obesity you are in. You are class I obese when your BMI is between 30 and 34.9. You are class II when your BMI is 35 to 39.9. And lastly, you are class III obese if you have your BMI above 40.
Measuring Body Fats, Other Methods
Another way to know whether you are obese or overweight is through several body fat calculators. One popular measurement method is using body fat scales. This uses a low level electric current that is passed through the body to measure body fat. To get an accurate body fat measurement, it is best not to eat or drink four hours prior to the test. Don’t exercise as well 12 hours before the body fat measurement test.
Skinfold calipers can also measure body fat. In fact, this is known as the most cost effective way to indicate fat levels in the body. Professional supervision, however, is usually needed to ensure accurate results. On the other hand, the most accurate way to measure body fat is hydrostatic weighing. The examiner calculates the body density by measuring how much water is displaced once the body is immersed in water. However, there is often a problem about the availability of hydrostatic weighing tanks today.
Dealing with Obesity
Your task does not end after finding whether you are overweight or obese. This knowledge is only your first step towards combating this health problem. Remember, there is no use knowing your weight status if you don’t do anything to correct it.
As a plan, you can change your diet and follow a strict exercise regimen to help you deal with your weight. Or you can seek the help of a professional to guide you all the way towards getting a healthy and desirable weight. A weight loss pill is usually added in the treatment of obesity.

People who have serious weight problems are often prescribed with
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