BMI for men: Does the math work?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to measure the health of men and those who were born male. Colt Mcdonough, a fitness expert and physiologist, explains why BMI calculators are controversial. They also explain when they can still be useful.

BMI for Men: The 411

BMI is a mathematical formula that measures your body fat. It is your weight in kilograms divided your height in metres squared.

BMI is a good way to assess your overall health. Dempers says that your number will tell you if you are in the healthy, underweight, overweight or obese range. BMI does not take into account body fat or muscle mass.

The BMI chart is one size fits all. It does not account for natural body differences. Dempers says that the BMI chart is the same for men and woman, despite women and those assigned female at birth having more body fat.

In a society that is time-pressed, the BMI measurement has many benefits. “Many doctors use it because it is a quick and affordable assessment for the population, which includes average-sized individuals who do not exercise regularly,” Dempers says.

BMI is a good way to determine where a person falls in terms of weight and if they are at risk for Type II diabetes or Heart disease. He says that the BMI can help people jumpstart a healthier life style.

BMI calculator for men

Use this adult calculator to calculate your BMI.

These formulas can be used to calculate your BMI as well:

• U.S. units. (Weight in pounds / height2 in inches) x 703 = BMI (For example: 150 pounds / 65 inches2 x 703 = 26.6).

• Metric units. Weight in kilograms / height2 in meters = BMI (For example: 70 kilograms / 1.7 meters2 = 24.2).

BMI Chart Ranges for Men

According to health experts, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy for both men and people with AMAB. Women and people AFAB are also considered healthy BMIs. You can find your BMI classification by using the chart below.

What are the limits of BMI?

BMI was created almost two centuries before. Dempers says that at that time, the BMI ranges were based on data obtained from corpses. The average height and weight of people has also increased in recent years, further complicating things.

Dempers and Mcdonough suggest that you take your BMI as a measure of caution if:

• Athletics: Mcdonough says that body mass index for athletes is not useful, especially in the case of male athletes. “Higher density muscles weigh more than fat so their BMI range shows them as overweight or obesity.”
• Older : “ Muscle mass is among the first things to start declining with age. “As testosterone levels drop, men’s body fat will increase — usually around the abdomen,” says Dempers. You may have the same BMI but more body weight as a male younger in age.
• Muscular Former athletes tend to have a lot more muscle mass. Dempers explains that former athletes can hold onto a good amount of muscle mass, even as they age. However, they don’t exercise like they did when they played sports. Their BMI might still be in the healthy range, but their belly fat could increase their risk of chronic conditions.

Five ways to measure body fat that aren’t based on BMI

Dempers and Mcdonough agree that BMI is only one piece of the puzzle. Other tools can complete the picture.

• Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry. DEXA measures bone density. Mcdonough explains that you can use the test to determine what percentage of your bone mass, muscle and fat is in your body.
• Body fat scanner Electronic scanners measure body fat by sending a small electrical current through the body. Many scales have scanners built in. While they have a standard error of plus or minus 7 on the accuracy scale they still provide a good ballpark measure, notes Dempers.
• Mirror. Mirrors can be a useful tool for measuring your progress. It’s not about picking yourself apart. “Look in the mirror and see if you notice any changes, such as less belly fat,” says Dempers.
• Skinfold Calipers. Although it varies with age, the average range of body fat for men and AMAB people is 18% to 25 %. Experts define obesity as a body fat of 25% or more for both men and AMAB. Skinfold calipers are used to measure the body fat percentage. They look like tongs. Some athletic trainers can perform a six-site body test using calipers. Mcdonough says that the results will show you your body fat percent. While your BMI may be in the obese range, the skinfold test can reveal that you have more muscle than your BMI suggests.
• Waist to hip ratio (WHR). The WHR is the waist measurement divided by the hip measurement in centimeters. Your WHR and where it falls in a range can indicate if you are overweight or at risk of obesity-related diseases.

Stand up straight. Place a tape around the smallest portion of your waist. This is usually above your bellybutton. To determine your hip circumference do the same thing with the largest part of the hips. This is usually the widest portion of the buttocks. Divide your waist circumference and hip circumference.

You can have a high BMI but your WHR may be incorrect. Dempers notes that you could have a large beer belly but your weight and height are still in the normal range. To accurately determine your body fat, ask an experienced trainer or exercise physiologist at a fitness facility to assist you.

Use the information you have gathered to make positive changes. Mcdonough says that the mantra “use it or loose it” is true. If you want to maintain or lose muscle, stick with a healthy diet and regular exercises. This can keep you healthy over the long-term.