About Weight Measurements
Weight measurements are used to determine an individual's health and fitness level. The measurements are taken in a variety of ways, each with varying accuracy. Each variety of weight measurements has specific ranges for fitness, health and obesity.
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Types
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The three most common weight measurements are the scale, the Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat percentage. The scale is the least accurate measurement for determining health and fitness levels. The Body Mass Index is a relatively more accurate barometer. The body fat percentage is the most useful measurement to relate to health and fitness levels.
Features
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The scale is pretty self-explanatory. Step on it and it will tell you how much you weigh. The Body Mass Index provides individuals with goal weights depending on height. The Body Mass Index equation is weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters) squared. The Body Mass Index chart classifies individuals from severely underweight to hyper obese. An individual is considered underweight if the BMI reading is under 18.5. An individual becomes overweight when the BMI measurement is over 25 and obese with a BMI over 30. The normal, healthy BMI range is between 18.5 and 25.
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Function
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Body fat percentage can be calculated with a bioelectrical impedance, calipers and full body scan. A bioelectrical impedance measurement is taken by a hand held or scale device. It determines the body fat percentage by sending a pulse out of one side and timing how long it takes for the pulse to return to the other side. The accuracy of the bioelectrical impedance varies greatly, depending on how hydrated the subject is. The caliper measurement is the most popular method of determining body fat percentage. Most fitness professionals use the calipers on the right side of the body. The professionals pinch the fat on the back of the arm, midsection and thigh. Measurement spots can differ betwen male and female subjects, as males are often pinched at the chest instead of the arm. Caliper measurements can be very accurate when taken by an experienced practitioner. The full body scan is the most accurate method of determining body fat percentage, but is also the most rare and expensive.
Considerations
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Neither the scale nor the BMI equation takes the individual bone structure or amount of lean muscle mass into consideration when determining health and fitness levels. Bodybuilders with six percent body fat are often classified as obese when using the scale or BMI, when they are obviously not obese. Any individual who has a wide bone structure or much muscle mass will struggle to get into the healthy range of the Body Mass Index.
Expert Insight
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According to the American College of Sports Medicine, females should never rise above 35 percent body fat and males should never go above 25 percent. The athletic range for men is between 8 and twelve percent and 16 to 20 percent for women. The healthy body fat percentage for females is between 21 and 29 percent. The healthy body fat percentage for males is between 18 and 22 percent.
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