Finding Body Mass Index- Does RFM Carry More Weight?

HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT - GIRL ON FLOOR DOING A LEG STRETCHING EXERCISE

Did you know that approximately 2 out of 5 adults in the United States live with excess body weight or obesity? In fact, very few people don’t have weight issues nowadays. In fact, if you struggled with your weight in the past, chances are you tried at least 7 serious attempts to lose weight. Am I right? So, your first step is to find a weight loss specialist. Then, finding body mass index is the next step.

Finding Body Mass Index

Your personal BMI is a measurement ratio of your weight and height. It is a good way to gauge whether your weight is in healthy proportion to your height. In fact, finding body mass index determines any future health risks. Your BMI indicates if you are underweight, overweight or if you are obese.

What Does BMI Stand for?

BMI is the abbreviation for Body Mass Index. It is a calculation of your size that takes into account your height and weight. However, it expresses your height and weight as a single number that is not dependent on your frame size. Although the origin of the BMI is over 200 years old, it is fairly new as a measurement of health. BMI = WEIGHT DIVIDED BY HEIGHT

What is a Normal BMI?

A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 25. If your BMI is 30, you are considered overweight. Also, anyone with a score over 30 is considered obese. This is where all health problems escalate. In addition, people who look healthy do not always have a normal reading.

BMI is not Perfect 

As with most measurements of health, a BMI reading is not always perfect. For example, results can be influenced by pregnancy or high muscle mass. Furthermore, it is not a good measure of health for children or the elderly. So, you wonder why BMI matters? Here’s why. The higher the BMI, the higher the risk of conditions that include:

  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Cancer (colon, breast, prostate)
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol

In terms of BMI, being underweight results in other health issues such as: AMEMIA - LADY HAS WEAKNESS DUE TOMLOW COUNT OF RED BLOOD CELLS

  • Risk of malnutrition
  • Osteoporosis
  • Anemia

High BMI is Fatal

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) nearly three million people die each year (worldwide) due to overweight or obesity issues. However, people with high BMIs often report feeling better, both physically and psychologically, once they lose excess weight. According to evidence-based studies (Harvard), despite the fact that overweight individuals appear to be healthy, they are still at high risk for developing diabetes or other negative health consequences over time. However, ongoing studies are inconclusive due to racial and cultural bias.

Are BMI Studies are Biased?

Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, so BMI is not 100% accurate all the time. For example: ATHLETES - HAVE HIGHER BMI

  • On average, women have more body fat in comparison to men with a similar BMI.
  • People with a muscular build, such as athletes or bodybuilders have higher BMIs even though they are healthy and fit.
  • As people get older, they naturally lose muscle definition and tend to have more body fat, which affects their BMI.

The latest BMI definition of overweight or obesity is based predominantly on White populations. Moreover, body composition includes percentage of body fat and the amount of muscle mass. Remember, these variables differ by race and ethnic group. Although BMI studies predict health status amongst people who are White, it is less accurate for people in other racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Overestimating and Underestimating Risks

For example, defining obesity by standard BMI methods overestimate risks in Black populations and underestimate risks for people of Asian descent. As a result, individuals in these groups require more counseling and treatment. This, in turn, leads to increases in healthcare disparities. Thus, there is a much-needed overhaul of the original BMI measurements and standards.

How to Calculate Your BMI

Simply divide your weight in kilograms by your weight in meters squared. For example, if you weigh 70 kg (155 lbs) and you are 185cm (6 feet) tall your BMI will look like this: CHART - SHOWS BODY MASS INDEX FOR OVERWEIGHT, UNDERWEIGHT AND OBESITY

BMI = 70kg /1.85meters squared = 20.4

The BMI Scale

  • 18.5 to 24.9 = Healthy
  • 25 to 29.9 = Overweight
  • 30 and above = Obese
  • 18.4 and under = Underweight

What is Relative Fat Mass?

The relative fat mass (RFM) index estimates body fat percentage based on the ratio of height and waist measurements. It is a simple anthropometric procedure. Therefore, it is easier to estimate than other body fat methods. In addition, it is more accurate than the BMI. A recent study found that the RFM has gender specific cut-off points for obesity. These cut-offs are authorized by the American Council on Exercise. For example:

  • RFM for adult males = 64 – 20 x (Height/Waist circumference)
  • RFM for adult females = 76 – 20 x (Height/Waist circumference

Best Results of the RFM Index

For best results, the tape measure is placed at the top of the hip bone and wraps around the body. You have two options – the Metric or the English system. Choose one method over the other. In summary, the RFM index is based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In comparison, with the BMI, it is a better predictor of whole-body fat percentage among women and men.

The Four Anthropometric Measurements

In case you didn’t know, the root word here is related to anthropology. Anthropology is the study of ancient human societies and cultures. In simple terms, it is the study of what makes us human. Thus, experts in this field, are archaeologists who study humans who lived thousands of years ago. Therefore, they study the core elements of anthropometry:

  • Height, weight, head circumference
  • Body mass index (BMI)
  • Body circumferences to assess for adiposity (waist, hip, limbs)
  • Skin thickness

Weight Loss Improves BMI

For many people who carry excess weight, losing 5% to 15% of their total weight improves their weight-related health issues. My life is a personal testament to weight loss. When I lost my first 10 pounds on my program, the first thing I experienced was a drop in my blood pressure. That was the beginning of my journey back to good health. Everything else fell into place. Check out my improvements over time:  COLORFUL BMI CHART - UNDERWEIGHT, NPRMAL, OVERWEIGHT, OBESE

  • Significant weight loss
  • Lower cholesterol
  • More energy
  • Better mood
  • New outlook on life
  • Better relationships and more.

Small Changes Makes a Big Difference

Take charge of your life. Do a quick inventory to see what things you need to change. Start by incorporating a healthier lifestyle. Make this your locus of control. Make healthier food choices. Include exercise in your daily schedule. Also, make sure you drink enough water and get an adequate amount of sleep. In the long run it will pay off.

Conclusion

The body mass index (BMI) may not be a perfect measurement of health for everyone. However, it is a useful starting point. It gives you a snapshot of your health condition. At the same time, it is important to recognize its limitations. For example, it is not as accurate as the relative fat mass (RFM) index. For example, RFM utilizes specific cut-off points for obesity factors with gender specific information. Hence, RMI is not a one-size-fit-all measurement.

Thank You

Thanks for tuning in to my blogs. My goal is to bring you quality articles about all things related to healthy, clean living. If you want a particular topic, please send your requests to my email inbox. I will reply within 24 hours. My goal is to keep you informed and up to date on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Share this post with friends and feel free to leave your comments in the space provided below. THANK YOU

Yours truly,

Rachele, Founder,

web: mybluegenes.com

email: rachele@mybluegenes.com

As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases at NO cost to you.

6 thoughts on “Finding Body Mass Index- Does RFM Carry More Weight?”

  1. This is a wonderfully informative article on BMI and related health issues, Rachele.

    I’ve always tried to embrace a healthy lifestyle in terms of both diet (meaning what I eat, not some stupid fad “diet”) and exercise.

    Your article inspired me to calculate my current BMI and it came back as 22.2, so I’m quite pleased with that.

    The current statistics for Americans are truly frightening. I’m Australian but I’m sure our figures would be similar. Maybe not quite as bad, but like most Western populations, getting there.

    For the first time in history, the current generation of children is forecast to have a lower life expectancy than their parents. How awful is that?

    And although it’s up to everyone as individuals to improve their health, significant population improvement requires input from several fronts, including producers, supermarkets, restaurants (when my daughter and I visited the US, we couldn’t believe the size of the meals) social influences and many others.

    Reply
    • Phil,

      Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to correspond in this wonderful, uplifting dialogue. You already know that I respect you and greatly appreciate having you as a mentor and friend. Ever since I unpacked my new HP laptop, seems like there has been one challenge after the next. Finally, I was able to log into my WA email. Why does this happen with any new device. First, it was my phone, then my tablet, then my HP.

      For whatever reason, Phil, my life is unfolding beautifully right in front of my eyes. Not knowing a blessed thing about affiliate marketing, and now a Top 100 is mind-blowing.
      As a recovering food addict (Big Macs, fries, ultimate burgers, strawberry shakes, twinkies, cinna-rolls, pizza, buckets of ice cream) I’m not just recovering from hip replacement x 2, I am recovering from the land of visceral fat. Hence, one of my goals is to bring awareness of overweight and obesity-ness to my audience to end unnecessary chronic diseases.

      Phil, who will take over the world? Our children and grandchildren are presenting with blood clots (squatting too long doing video games), too much processed and fast foods, and no exercise. My stepson is way overweight. He can wolf down a whole box of Dunkin Doughnuts.

      My last BMI was 30. It was 35 at one time. I have cut out many unhealthy foods. It is probably much lower now. My last A1C was 53. My mission is to be a good role model for my one biological daughter and 3 step kids. Also, I want to help my stepdaughters wean off of noodles, pizza and high-fat foods. Susan brings me some delicious, desserts that are calorie-dense and off the charts. I am really surprised by what they consume. I thought Asians were supposed to be some of the healthiest. How can my grandkids be healthy when their mamas are not modeling healthy behaviors?

      Phil. I got a lot of work to do. I had the same unhealthy habits myself, but not anymore.
      My goal right now is to not just leave generational wealth but to also leave generational health. You hear me?

      Thank you for reaching out, my friend. I was just thinking about you. In fact, I was telling one of the new affiliates about you too.
      Give me a few more months to organize my thoughts about my next venture into Thrive.

      I reapplied to ShareASale and I am not sure if I still have the same merchants. I transferred to a new domain. Also, Phil I plan to have another website just for art collectors as my sister is a commercial artist. I also have about two other sites in mind. Do you think I can pull this off? In the meantime, I will be studying the books you sent me. I know that everything will eventually come full circle. I am trusting the process.

      Thanks for stopping by Phil. You are always welcome.
      We should be ready to Rock and Roll by the beginning of 2023. This will give me time to shift gears and upgrade my websites and my life.

      Your Wealthy Affiliate Mentee,
      Soon to be OCE

      Rachele, M.S., AMFT
      Oceanside, CA 92057
      (760)909-9812

      Reply
  2. Many thanks for this valuable and comprehensive post about BMI. I really think this is very important. In fact, I checked my BMI some time ago. It was of moderate size. But after that it has not been checked. But your post showed me its importance. I will definitely try again. Keep posting like this. I will definitely share this.

    Reply
    • Pasindu,

      Thank you for sharing your comments. More than often, we tend to take our lifestyle and health for granted. After many years of struggling with excessive weight, I have learned some valuable health lessons. In fact, I ended up in the Emergency Room way too often. The culprit was always high blood pressure. However, the underlying cause had a lot to do with my diet and lifestyle. 

      That’s why I am a keen advocate of prevention and healthy living. It is a small investment with long lasting benefits. There is a trend where people want to leave generational wealth to their offspring. I also believe we can leave generational health also. The importance of keeping abreast of our health and overall wellness is key. You are ahead of the curve.

      Thank you for sharing my Body Mass Index. This means a lot to me.

      Rachele 

      Reply

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