How to Assess your weight?

Do you monitor your weight? How do you assess your weight needs?

Weight measurement is not only important to those who have bulging fats in their body. It is equally important even to those who seem to have no weight problems. One of the fastest means to assess your weight is to measure up with the weighing scale. The weighing scale quantify how much pounds did you lose or gain previously. However, there are still other ways to measure up. These are the percent body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, and BMI.

Percent body fat. PBF is the total weight of the person's fat divided by the person's weight and reflects both essential fat and storage fat. Essential fat is that amount necessary for maintenance of life and reproductive functions. While storage fat consists of fat accumulation in adipose tissue, part of which protects internal organs in the chest and abdomen.

The percentage body fat is measured with a painless test called "caliper measurement". This test measures subcutaneous (under the skin) fat using a skinfold caliper.

Waist-to-hip ratio. The waist-to-hip ratio is considered a vital measurement in women as this is is the ratio of the circumference of the waist to that of the hips. It is calculated by measuring the waist circumference (located just above the upper hip bone) and dividing by the hip circumference at its widest part (waist/hip).

The WHR has been a significant factor in physical attractiveness judgment and in implying women's fertility.

Body Mass Index. BMI is a statistical measurement which compares a person's weight and height. Though it does not actually measure the percentage of body fat, it is a useful tool to estimate a healthy body weight based on how tall a person is. Using the BMI Chart or the formula, this can define the following:

• An individual is considered underweight if their BMI is less than 18.5.
• A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered a "normal" weight.
• A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.
• Individuals who fall into the BMI range of 25 to 34.9 begin having some health risk concerns. Specifically those who have a waist size of more than 40 inches for men, or 35 inches for women, have a higher risk for obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
• A BMI of 30 or more qualifies as individual as obese.
• A BMI over 40 indicates that a person is morbidly obese.

With these measurements, you can assess your weight properly and personalize your weight loss program.