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Question
07 Aug 2007
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Fat percentage and BMI
What is the significance of Body Fat Percentage and BMI in our bodies?
I have a BMI of 25.2 and fat % of 18.2. Both out of the 'normal' range for males. The one higher and the other lower than the relevant ranges. Is that a problem?
I have a BMI of 25.2 and fat % of 18.2. Both out of the 'normal' range for males. The one higher and the other lower than the relevant ranges. Is that a problem?
DietDoc
Dear Marius
The upper limit of normal of the BMI range for adult men is 25, unless you are a body builder? If your BMI = 25.2 then you are slightly overweight. According to Prof Tim Noakes normal men have a body fat% of 14% on average, while elite male athletes are 5%. So both your BMI and body fat% is higher than the normal range values and I would say that you could lower both by following a low-fat diet (the weight) and doing aerobic exercise for up to 60 min a day to lower your body fat%. However it is important to keep in mind that both the BMI and body fat% values are only indications of fatness, and fitness. It may be a good idea to have yourself assessed by a dietitian who can also measure your waist to hip ratio and take skin fold measurements to determine if you are in need of weight loss.
Best regards
DietDoc
The upper limit of normal of the BMI range for adult men is 25, unless you are a body builder? If your BMI = 25.2 then you are slightly overweight. According to Prof Tim Noakes normal men have a body fat% of 14% on average, while elite male athletes are 5%. So both your BMI and body fat% is higher than the normal range values and I would say that you could lower both by following a low-fat diet (the weight) and doing aerobic exercise for up to 60 min a day to lower your body fat%. However it is important to keep in mind that both the BMI and body fat% values are only indications of fatness, and fitness. It may be a good idea to have yourself assessed by a dietitian who can also measure your waist to hip ratio and take skin fold measurements to determine if you are in need of weight loss.
Best regards
DietDoc
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