YOUR IDEAL WEIGHT ISNT WHAT YOU THINK
Before starting a new diet plan or spending money on a new weight-loss product, it's important to first define your goal. What exactly do you consider your ideal weight to be? Are you looking to reduce your weight to Y pounds, lower your body fat to X percentage, or lower your BMI to Z? Each measure of weight loss success has its advantages and disadvantages, and before you embark on a journey towards quick weight loss it's critical to understand the differences.
The Dreaded Scale
If you're seeking truly healthy weight loss it's a good idea to forget about that dreaded scale.
The best advice you'll ever hear in regard to weight management is throw away your scale. The focus, or obsession, on weight is the very reason why most people fail. It's misguided and dangerous.
What Is BMI, And Why Should I Care?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a relationship between weight and height that is associated with body fat and health risk.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is widely used to determine an individual's ideal body weight. Similar to the height and weight chart, it is essentially the relationship between a person's weight and height. The formula used to calculate it is: BMI= (Weight in Kilograms) / (Height in meters squared).
This measurement, also known as the Quetelet Index, was developed around 1830 to 1850 and is attributed to a Belgian named Adolphe Quetelet.
According to most experts, a BMI of 20 to 25 is considered healthy. BMI of less than 20 suggests an individual is underweight while 25 to 29 indicates an overweight person. 30 and above is a sign of obesity.
BMI provides an estimation of fat content in a person's body, and is probably accurate for most people. Results may vary, however, because BMI doesn't take into account the differences between lean weight and fat weight. Conversely, elderly people who have suffered some deterioration of muscle mass may have lower BMI with higher fat content.
There are two convenient places where you can find a BMI calculator. First, just ask the friendly staff at your local health club. Another resource is the on-line BMI calculator found at the Department of Health & Human Services site. Both sources are accurate and can help you determine if your BMI is in the acceptable range.
Body Fat Percentage Is The Best Measurement:
The way to measure and determine one's fat to lean muscle proportion is to determine body fat percentage.Only body fat analysis allows you to determine whether you are losing fat or losing muscle.
In short, body composition testing (also known as body fat analysis) is the only proven method to accurately test whether or not you're at your ideal weight.
To have your body fat analysis done, visit your local fitness center. In just a few seconds they will accurately and safely determine your body composition. Your personal physician can also perform this test.
Only body fat analysis can provide an honest assessment of whether or not you've arrived at your ideal body weight. So what exactly is your personal ideal body weight? Whatever you weigh when your body fat percentage is in the recommended range!