Sunday, June 11, 2006

Measure Body Fat

It is difficult to determine the exact percentage of body
fat a person has, but estimates can be made in a number
of ways.

First, using a tweezer-like tool called a caliper, you can
measure the thickness of skin folds on different points of
your body and compare the results with standardized numbers.
Check out this caliper: FatTrack Gold FatTrack II Digital Body Fat Caliper with MyoTape Body Tape Measure

You can also use a small device that sends a harmless
electrical current through your body and measures your body
fat percentage. Omron Body Logic, Body Fat Analyzer, Model HBF-306BL

The most commonly used method to determine if a person is obese
is to look at his/her Body Mass Index (BMI). A person with a
BMI over 30 is considered to be obese, and a BMI over 40 is
considered to be severely obese.

It’s important to remember though that BMI could be misleading
in pregnant or lactating women and in muscular individuals.

I would recommend that you get something like the "Healthy Living
Kit", which includes the Body Fat analyzer, a pedometer and a
heart rate moniter, for a savings of $40. over the regular price.
Omron Healthy Living Kit

Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac.