BMI, the most commonly used measure for body fat, is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of his/her height in meters (kg/m2). Current guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization define a normal BMI range as 18.5 to 24.9. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9; obesity is defined as a BMI over 30.0; and severe obesity is defined as BMI 35 or higher. For a BMI calculator, go to http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm.
Waist to Hip ratio is simply a measurement of waist size
compared to hip size. Long-term follow-up studies showed that so-called
“abdominal obesity” was strongly associated with an increased risk of type 2
diabetes, cardiovascular disease and death, even after controlling for body
mass index (BMI).
According to the World Health Organization, abdominal obesity is defined as Women: > 0.85, Men: > 0.9 in Waist-to-hip ratio. Scientists have long debated which measure of abdominal fat is the best predictor of health risk: Waist size alone or waist-to-hip ratio. The research to date has been mixed. In practice, it is easier to measure and interpret waist circumference than it is to measure both waist and hip. That makes waist circumference the better choice for many settings as stated by Harvard. edu.
Waist-height ratio is considered a simpler and more
predictive of the ‘early heath risks’ associated with central obesity. The rule
of thumb for a healthy body and for supporting life expectancy is to aim
keeping the waist circumference to less than half of the height, so the WHtR at
less than 0.5.
Body composition breakdown for muscle, water, and bone can
be displayed from technology devices, based on your height, weight, and age. Note:
these ranges are estimates; not absolutely scientific. For determination of
your body composition, they're not accountable for absolute accuracy. For tracking changes in your body
composition, however, they can be quite useful.
The aging process brings about many
changes in body composition, often without concomitant changes in body weight
and body mass index (BMI). In general, as we age, percent body fat increases
and lean mass and bone mineral density decrease.
Body fat for age 60 to 79 is 24% to 35% in women 13% to 24% in men. It is important to
maintain adequate body fat for brain function, especially in older age.
Muscle mass (typically referring to
skeletal muscle): For woman age 56 – 75: 27 – 30% and age 76 – 85: <26; For
men age 56 – 75: 32 – 35% and age 76 – 85: <31. Muscle mass also indicates
physical function, including mobility and balance. Typically, the more muscle
you have, the less prone you are to injury, chronic disease, and early death.
Body water: The percentage of water
in the body changes with age. Babies have a very high percentage of water in
their bodies, while older adults have less. For women age 51 and older: average
is 47%, with range from 39% - 57%; for men age 51 and older: average is 56%
with range from 47% - 67%. Water is
essential for body functions.
To learn more about bone mass and
density, go to Osteoporosis in Women https://qualitylifeforum.weebly.com/2019-nov-osteoporosis-in-women.html
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