What is the Optimum Level of Body Fat?

What is the Optimum Level of Body Fat? – If you’re searching for what is the optimum level of body fat and to get in shape, it’s a good idea not just to rely on your bathroom scale. You must take into account your body fat percentage. The problem with relying on your weight alone is that it will not give you a clear picture of where you stand with respect to the actual fat you’re carrying.

Body Mass Index

The most widely used and probably the easiest way to estimate your body fat percentage is by using the Body Mass Index scale or BMI. Although it’s not the most accurate, but it’s still helpful in providing a general idea. To calculate your BMI, divide your weight (in pounds) by your height squared (in inches). So if your height is x and your weight is y then y / x2 = your BMI

Use the Following Cart to Establish Your Results:

Underweight: Below 18.5
Normal: 18.5-25
Overweight: 25-30
Obese: Above 30

Calculating Body Fat Percentage

Measuring body fat percentage is a bit more complex than the BMI formula. One of the tools that are widely used for this purpose is the callipers. It is a clamp-like contraption that is used to measure the skin folds at various locations on the body. Although this is the most widely used method it is also the least accurate. Its popularity can be linked to ease of use and cost.

Some of the Other Techniques Used to Calculate Body Fat Include:

Underwater weighing: One of the most accurate and expensive methods.
Dual X-ray Absorptiometry Scan.
Bioelectrical Impedance: measures the speed of electrical currents as it travels through the body. Least expensive methods out of the three