BMI vs Bodyfat percentage What are they and which is more important to monitor?
Weight loss can be an important method in trying to a live a healthier lifestyle. But doesn’t it seem like that scale doesn’t always measure the hard work and effort you’ve been putting into a weight loss program? And is weight alone really the best measure of your progress and overall health? Stepping at the doctor’s office or for an insurance company test results in a figure called BMI. BMI is a replacement of the old height and weight charts previously used in doctors’ offices and is a calculation of height and weight to determine whether someone is obese or normal weight. BMI alone however doesn’t reflect body composition which is a more important indicator of health and fitness. Bodyfat percentage on the other hand measures how much of that weight is actual water, bone, and muscle and how much is bodyfat. While some bodyfat is necessary, too much, especially around the midsection has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and preventable, premature death. A study published in 2016 of 50,000 middle-aged and older Canadians found that body fat percentage (BFP) is a far better indicator of obesity-related diseases and life expectancy than the body mass index (BMI).
Feature image of BMI vs Bodyfat percentage What are they and which is more important to monitor
The key to effective weight loss is losing excess bodyfat, not overall body weight. Weight loss is not the same as fat loss. Instead of tracking how heavy you are, use body composition analysis to track how healthy you really are. Plus, knowing and understanding your bodyfat percentage allows you to make smarter decisions about your workout routine. It can mean the difference between a fitness regimen designed to reduce visceral fat around the organs and increase muscle mass and one that focuses on muscle tone and endurance. It also frees you from over-reliance on the scale as an indicator of progress since the number on the scale is less important than the muscle to fat ratio in your body.
We strive to provide clients with the most effective technology, tools, and training and have a medical-grade body composition analysis tool called the InBody that accurately measures body composition in less than 15 seconds, printing out a results sheet which helps our clients monitor their progress. This helps us stay motivated because often going back into the gym to get in shape and lose weight results in weight gain! What? Gain weight, but why? Because the muscle mass clients put on from lifting weight weighs so much more than bodyfat. This muscle is crucial too, especially as we age, plus it helps to fire up the metabolism to drop even more bodyfat, as having more muscle results in a more efficient fat burning machine. Muscle mass is the key to feeling strong, fit and that “in shape” feeling everyone so desires.
Are your ready for to get more muscle and get that “in shape” feeling? Call/text me today at 831.236.6199 to arrange a consultation. Do it now, the time will never be right!
