The caveat: Although experts find this method to be more precise in determining body fat percentage compared to BMI, the technique is relatively new, so there are no longitudinal studies as of yet to compare RFM numbers with disease risk, as there are with BMI.Įxperts say: “Relative fat mass is a better measure of body fatness than many indices currently used in medicine and science, including the BMI," according to Orison Woolcott, M.D., who co-designed the method with colleagues at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Women: 76 - (20 x height in inches/waist circumference in inches) = RFM Men: 64 - (20 x height in inches/waist circumference in inches) = RFM All you need is a measuring tape (for the most accurate measurement, place the measuring tape right at the top of your hip bones and draw a circle around your waist).ĭIY: To determine your RFM, follow this formula: Why it works: Relative Fat Mass aims to give a more accurate measurement of body fat percentage than BMI, by using your height and waist circumference to measure your whole-body fat total. “If an athlete and a sedentary person were the same weight and same height they would be placed in the same category, for example, whereas one person might be more highly fit than the other.” RFM The caveat: While this measurement can estimate whether most people’s body fat percentage is in a healthy range, it doesn’t account for the fact that very fit people may weigh more because of the muscle they carry.Įxperts say: “BMI can be useful to assess your health risks, but it doesn’t tell you how much fat versus lean mass you have,” says certified personal trainer Chris Gagliardi, spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Please upgrade to web browser that supports iframes to see this CDC widget. Been a minute since you’ve hit math class? No sweat: Plug your numbers into this BMI calculator: Why it works: A rough estimate of whether the number on your scale is healthy based on your height and weight, your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a good indicator of your risk factors for certain conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.ĭIY: To determine your BMI, divide your weight (in pounds) by your height (in centimeters) squared, and multiply that number by 703. We gathered a variety of DIY measuring methods-none give you the final word on the state of your health, but taken together, you’ll get a more complete picture on where you stand. From old-school to high-tech, there are multiple ways of thinking about body weight. It’s time to assess the damage before it’s too late. At HealthCentral, we know that wellness is much more than a number on a scale-and yet, if you’re like us, you may have a sneaking suspicion that these past few months haven’t been exactly a boon to your body.
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