Body Composition Analysis

In a world full exemptions following or knowing the standard can be difficult. Particularly when it comes to dealing with weight or health, it seems that the exemptions have become the rule. For example, amongst those exempted people it's often the case that a gland disorder or muscular density is to blame for excess weight and the healthy weight guideline is either ignored or unknown. We all know that the US has the highest percentage of obesity IN THE WORLD, and still there is confusion about weight classification and how it pertains to health. It's not to say that this is to blame solely on the individual, but there definitely seems to be a disconnect between weight/health standards and acknowledging ones classification. So, lets break it down.

The most general tool in identifying weight class is the concept of BMI (body mass index). This is a simple classification that uses the variables of height and weight:

BMI= weight(Kg)/ height(m) x height(m), and the result can be identified in a weight category. For a general rule BMI is useful, the most complaints with BMI is that it doesn't take into account frame size or muscle abundance. So for example athletes are often placed in the overweight or obese category, because muscle does weigh more than fat. BUT, this exemption is for the elite athlete and should not to be used freely.

A more concrete tool for understanding weight class and body composition is body fat percentage. There are 3 main mechanisms for calculating fat percentage: bioelectrical impedance, hydrostatic weighing, and skinfold. Because all 3 of these procedures require specific equipment most people are unable to use this mechanism, and therefor make assumptions of having lower fat percentages and concluding to have higher muscle mass which thus leads to their excess weight. Also, there are slight discrepancies between procedures which can vary the fat percentage by 2-4%. BUT, I think it's safe to say that if you are in the 40% body fat range a variation of 4% makes little different.

The most useful and realistic tool for identifying body composition is a mechanism taught and honed by Dr Girandola; the mirror test. The procedure is as follows: walk up to a mirror, face it frontwards, sideways, and any other angle, and if you look fat... then you probable are. This is not to be insensitive, but the reality of assessing the body comes from the individual and cannot depend on books, taxonomy's, or theories.

Therefore, by applying and taking averages of these tests and mechanisms it should be relatively easy for someone to identify their weight class. So why are people still so confused?

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The US has a high concentration of scientific research that are accompanied by many theories about weightloss and health. So, it is difficult to assess ones own health class or the standard with all the exemptions that are not easily detected. What is comes down to is that if you are healthy then you are probably at a normal weight range. Determining health is a simpler approach than trying to analyze weight standards. An easy way would be getting a physical, blood test, or observing your illness rate, energy level, and cardiovascular endurance.