Index

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The body mass index formula is an equation based on body weight adjusted for height. It is mostly used by doctors to diagnose patients that are overweight or obese. Its primary purpose is to provide an estimation of body fat percentage in relation to an individuals height and weight. It is not, however a completely accurate assessment and many health professionals will agree. You need to take into consideration peoples overall body composition and age. For instance, muscular people will have a higher body mass index than those that have less muscle, such as the elderly. When two people have the same body mass index it does not necessarily mean that they have the same body fat percentage. For example, men generally will have a lower body fat percentage than women. Knowing that the BMI formula does not measure body fat percentage should help you in assessing the sate of your obese childs health.

Body Fat Percentage The Big Picture

It is first helpful to know what percentage of your obese childs total weight is comprised of fat. There are several methods available of doing this. However, it is worth noting that you already know the body fat percentage of your child is higher than it should be so proper nutrition and exercise is the best solution. For those who are curious here are a few examples.

Hydrostatic Weighing

Also known as underwater weighing. This is by far the most accurate means to calculate fat percentage

but it can be rather expensive and is not something that can be done at home. This method is performed by being totally submerged in water. Knowing that fat is less dense than muscle and bones it is fairly easy to calculate the fat percentage .

Body Fat Calipers

This is a much more affordable alternative and is readily available. Use the calipers to take a pinch of skin and record the measurements. This is usually done at several different locations of your body and it is recommended to use the same location when you check on your progress. You then use a formula to determine the body fat percentage. If you plan on using this method my advice is not to purchase the cheap calipers they are not very accurate.

Bioelectrical Impedence Analysis or BIA

This method uses body fat scales that send a safe small electrical current through the body to calculate the amount of body fat tissue. Your body fat percentage is then calculated based on height, weight, age and sex. It is a harmless method and fairly accurate. These scales are available in the marketplace and reasonably priced.

The Final Analysis

Helping your child overcome obesity is a challenge. Sometimes it is best to have some facts and figures enabling them to compare their overall progress. The starting point would be to first know what their ideal weight should be. This way they have a goal to reach. At first it may appear to be an unattainable goal so you need to offer encouragement and even volunteer to participate. Design a chart that you can use to record the body mass index formula results in and set a schedule for checking on their progress. Maybe set up a file on the computer to keep track of their progress.

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In todayâ??s world of fast-food, TV dinners, and macaroni and cheese, it is important to be aware of your body and your weight. In America, obesity and poor health has never been at a higher peak than it is in todayâ??s society. Many headlines have stated that â??Obesity is on the Riseâ??; it is true. Some sources estimate that obesity affects 30% of American adults. This number is absolutely outrageous. More importantly, obesity is one of the leading factors of many serious diseases and conditions. It is important that you take control of your own destiny and know your own health.

 The body mass index system was established by Quetelet, a Belgian, around the 1840s. This has been a prevailing system that easily compares height and weight of individuals across social and political boundaries. The BMI is calculated based upon weight and height of the individual. An acceptable value is between 18.5 and 25. Once your BMI reaches the 25 to 30 range, you are classified as â??overweightâ??. A BMI over 30 is then classified as obese. With this knowledge, we know that 30% of Americans have a BMI of over 30. This is a serious risk to our society as a whole and to each individual that is obese.

 For this reason, Escali Digital Scales recently released a new digital scale that tracks this important piece of information for you: the BMI150R. Upon input of your height, this scale will tell you not only your weight but also your BMI. It is also a tracking scale; meaning that it will keep track of your change and progress as you go along in your diet. It will track up to 10 individuals per scale so that your entire family can see their progress and see if they are progressing or digressing.

 The BMI150R also comes with a remote monitor that displays your data. It can be detached from the scale and placed anywhere where it is most convenient for you. I found it useful because to put somewhere near eye level so that I did not have to bend over to see my weight or BMI, or squint to pick out the smaller numbers. This is a very useful feature for those of us who have some sort of impaired eyesight. The remote functions through the infrared spectrum so it is safe to use.

 This digital scale also has a very useful hold feature that allows you to set off of the scale and it will still display your weight. The product also comes ready to use. Simply take it out of the package and it is ready to go.

 As to the design of the scale, it is built extremely well. Not only will it last (and it has a 5 year warranty), but it will also spark up your bathroom. It comes in a very nice tempered white glass composite. So it will go in just about any arrangement of bathroom and can be easily hid from view, or left to stand out and compliment your bathroom. It is extremely easy to clean as it is merely a flat surface (without grooves or bumps, etc) and will continue to be a brilliant white throughout its life.

 Overall, I would recommend the BMI150R as a good solution that will enable you to know your weight and a better measure of your health, body mass index.

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The basic misconception about food is that we crave for the food which our body needs. We very often hear ‘Let him eat it (whatever food is likes most).If he likes it so much, may be he needs it more.’

Human beings are considered to be the most advanced when their intelligence is compared to that of animals,but as far as food selection is concerned,man does not retain this position.Choice of foods
relating to the body’s requirement is more accurate in case of animals.The food-choice of human beings is influenced by his social life and cultural background as well as his learning.Learning profoundly influences our food selection.It is interesting to note that infants show a natural ability to select foods needed by their body,This ability is lost as the child grows up.

BMI or Body Mass Index, is another method of estimating a person’s body fat percentage based upon simple weight and height measurements. While the BMI calculation is an indirect measurement, it has been found to be a fairly reliable indicator of body fat measures in most people. Although some studies still question the accuracy of the BMI method of body fat measurement, especially for athletes.

Ideal Body Weight and Body Fat Percent

The ideal weight and fat-lean ratio varies considerably for men and women and by age, but the minimum percent of body fat considered safe for good health is 5 percent for males and 12% for females. The average adult body fat is closer to 15 to 18% for men and 22 to 25% for women.

Athletes tend to be at low end of this scale due to their increased lean weight (muscle mass). While low levels of body fat seem to be related to improved performance, body composition alone is not a great predictor of sports success. A linebacker needs to have enough body mass (lean and fat weight) to generate high forces and avoid injury. Body fat among elite athletes vary largely by sport. There is little evidence of any benefit when men drop under 8% and women drop under 14 percent body fat.
How Low Is Too Low?

While the average body fat percent in the United States and Europe is increasing, extremely low body fat percent is also a health problem. The female athlete triad highlights the problem. Women athletes who lose too much fat risk injury, decreased performance and health issues.

The female athlete triad refers specifically to three related health problems often found in women athletes:

* Eating disorders and low energy availability.
* Amenorrhea and menstrual disorders.
* Decreased bone mass and increased risk of stress fractures and osteoporosis.

This attempt to reduce body fat by extreme measures not only leads to decreased exercise performance, but can lead to severe health complications. Nutrient deficiencies and fluid/electrolyte imbalance from low food intake can lead to increased risk of fractures, illness, loss of reproductive function and serious medical conditions such as dehydration, and starvation. The medical complications of this triad involve almost every body function and include the cardiovascular, endocrine, reproductive, skeletal, gastrointestinal, renal, and central nervous systems.

Read the updated American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand on the Female Athlete Triad.
How Much Body Fat Is Too Much?

Just as too little body fat can cause physiological complications, too much body fat is also harmful. For men over 25% and women over 32% fat there is a dramatic correlation with illness and disease.
Isn’t Body Composition Genetic?

Some aspects of your body composition are genetic (where you store fat), but most fat increase is related to lifestyle.
Can I Change My Body Composition?
Yes. To increase or decrease your percent of body fat you need to create the right balance between the calories in and calories out. The best way to do this is to decrease daily calories by about 500 and increase your exercise. Aerobic exercise along with strength training is ideal. If you are beginning a new exercise program, you are advised to first consult your physician.

Body Fat

Body Weight

FOOD

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