BMI & Body Fat Formulas:
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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight, while Body Fat Percentage estimates the proportion of fat to total body weight. Both provide insights into health risks associated with weight.
The calculators use the following formulas:
Where:
Explanation: BMI provides a general indicator of body fatness, while the body fat formula adds age and sex adjustments for a more personalized estimate.
Details: These measurements help assess health risks associated with weight, guide fitness goals, and monitor progress in weight management programs.
Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in meters, age in years, and select sex. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 1-120).
Q1: What's the difference between BMI and body fat percentage?
A: BMI is a weight-to-height ratio while body fat percentage measures actual fat composition. Athletes may have high BMI but low body fat.
Q2: What are healthy BMI ranges?
A: Underweight: <18.5, Normal: 18.5-24.9, Overweight: 25-29.9, Obese: ≥30.
Q3: What are healthy body fat percentages?
A: For men: 6-24%, For women: 16-30%. Optimal ranges vary by age and fitness level.
Q4: How accurate is the body fat formula?
A: This formula provides an estimate. For precise measurements, methods like DEXA scans or hydrostatic weighing are recommended.
Q5: Should athletes use these measurements?
A: Athletes with high muscle mass may get misleading BMI results. Body fat percentage is generally more accurate for athletes.