GOOD...

BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)

 

  • BMI is widely used by the medical profession, is universally accepted and good for population studies
  • BMI only measures weight adjusted for specific height

 

BUT

 

  • BMI has widely accepted limitations for individuals:

  • Age (children and elderly)

  • Race

  • Identifying changes in body composition over time

  • Athletes

  • Visceral fat

  • Does not indicate whether this excess weight is due to increased fat or lean tissue
  • BMI can give misleading information about the success of any weight-loss programme, particularly when exercise is part of the regime

 

BETTER...

WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE

  • Recognised as an alternative to BMI for individuals, cheap, easy and quick to measure

BUT

  • Accurately taking a waist measurement is:
    • Subjective: where is your waist?
    • Difficult to repeat
    • Invasive

BEST!

BIO ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE ANALYSIS (BIA)

  • Gives a highly personal analysis of health; body fat, muscle mass, hydration – and more
  • Is used globally in medical research labs
  • Instantly assess body fat status as healthy or unhealthy
  • The increased personalised information increases the member’s education about their own body composition compared to a basic weight or BMI reading and can show the impact of lifestyle changes increasing their motivation and compliance

 

AND

  • It is as easy as stepping on a scale
  • Non invasive
  • Personalised
  • Accurate
  • Repeatable
  • Motivational