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References:
1.
Jequier, E. (1987) Energy, obesity, and body weight standards.
2.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 45, 1035-1047
3.
Japan Society for the Study of Obesity
4.
The Weight Loss Research Center
5.
myDr. (www.mydr.com.au)
BODY FAT INDEX
What is Body Fat Index?
Body Fat Index is a measurement of the total percentage of fat in your body. For example,
if you weigh 70 kg and your Body Fat Index is 15%, then you are retaining 10.5 kg of fat. The
remaining weight is composed of muscles, bones, tissues, and body water.
Among overweight people, it is excess fat and not weight alone that carries health risks. Since
the body comprises elements of varying densities, weight or BMI cannot fully measure exactly
how much excess fat a person carries. For example, two people of the same weight and BMI
may have big differences in body composition. One may carry excess fat while the other carry
acceptable level of fat needed to regulate the body. As such, a Body Fat Index measurement
is an effective assessment of your current health level.
Essential fat is necessary for bodily functions, since it helps to maintain body
temperature an insulate organs and tissues.
How Body Fat is Measured
The Monitor uses the method of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
to measure body fat. This method gives high precision, is completely
safe, and is widely used in the medical field. The principle of BIA is as
follows: The Monitor sends a low, harmless electrical signal through
your body that flows freely. As such, the machine uses this to calculate
the body fat Index (along with the person’s age, gender, height, weight,
and build).
How to Interpret Body Fat Index
Use the resulting Body Fat Index value with the chart below to determine your current level
of health:
BIA Foot-to-Foot
Measuring Diagram
NOTE
Gender
Body Fat
Age Group in Years
Standard
Under 30
30-39
40-49
Over 49
Adult Men
High
>28%
>29%
>30%
>31%
Moderately High
22-28%
23-29%
24-30%
25-31%
Optimal Range
11-21%
12-22%
13-23%
14-24%
Low
6-10%
7-11%
8-12%
9-13%
Very Low
<6%
<7%
<8%
<9%
Adult Women
High
>32%
>33%
>34%
>35%
Moderately High
26-32%
27-33%
28-34%
29-35%
Optimal Range
15-25%
16-26%
17-27%
18-28%
Low
12-14%
13-15%
14-16%
15-17%
Very Low
<12%
<13%
<14%
<15%
