New Way To Measure Body Fat
Posted by Janice Vaughn Knox on Thu, Mar 17, 2011 @ 12:22 AM
The University of Southern California School of Medicine has devised a new formula to determine body fat percentage. Most people are familiar with the BMI or the body mass index. The BMI is calculated by dividing the weight in Kg by the height in centimeters. Now meet the new BAI or the Body Adiposity Index.
The BAI is calculated by measuring the distance around the buttocks where the rear sticks out the most. You take a simple measuring tape to measure the distance around the hips. Take the measurement in centimeters. Here is the equation [hips/(height x square root of height)]-18. The answer is the percent body fat.
To interpret your results follow the guide below.
Women
Above 32% too high
25-31% high but acceptable
21-24% reasonable target for fitness
14-20% trained athlete zone
below 10-13% too low
Men
Above 25% to high
18-24% high but acceptable
14-17% reasonable target for fitness
6-13% trained athlete
below 2-5% too low
This new formula has proved highly accurate in people of Mexican American descent as well as African Americans. Although it has been looked at in Whites and considered useful, the accuracy remains to be validated.
So try measuring your rears for an accurate assessment of your body fat percentage.
Dr Vaughn
http://bodysculptmd.com