Fitness Tools

There are some tools that can be used to determine whether you are at a healthy weight. Body Mass Index, Waist to Hip ratio and  a simple waist circumference are helpful numbers in determining where you stand in your body composition.  The simplest indicator is the waist circumference. Body measurements are very helpful in determining body composition but the waist circumference is one measurement that can help determine risk due to obesity related diseases. BMI is the most popular but does have some limitations with people with large muscle mass.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

Body mass index the height and weight of an individual to help determine if the individual is at a healthy weight, over weight or under weight.
To calculate BMI divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. You can also calculate BMI by multiplying your weight in pounds by 703 and then dividing that number by your height in inches squared in the event you do not have a metric scale. Here is an online BMI calculator from BMI Calculator.org so that you can determine your BMI without going through all the calculations.




WHR (Waist to Hip Ratio)


The waist to hip ratio is one of the most useful tools in measuring abdominal girth which is valuable in measuring the amount of abdominal fat in an individual. To determine WHR, divide the circumference of the waist by the circumference of the hips. A WHR above 0.95 for men and 0.86 for women classifies an individual as obese by ASCM guidlelines and indicates a risk for coronary artery disease.


Waist Circumference

Waist circumference alone provides valuable information about disease risk.  In men, a measurement of 102 cm or 40 inches and greater and in women, 88cm or 35 inches and greater, can significantly increase the risk of obesity related diseases.