Using a scale to check if we’re losing or gaining weight is something that we’re all familiar with – but here are two other measurements used as indicators of health – your BMI (Body Mass Index) and your Waist-to-Hip Ratio.

The Body Mass Index uses weight and height to determine body condition – thus indicating a general level of fitness. What the Index doesn’t take into account however, is how much muscle you already have (by volume, muscle weighs more than fat), your frame size (“Hey, I’m not fat, I’m just big-boned!”) or your gender, all of which can skew the results. More importantly, it doesn’t measure how your body fat is distributed, which is the most important factor for predicting your risk of heart disease, obesity-related illnesses and death.

Here is a handy tool for calculating your BMI…

Gender:	Male Female
Height:	ft in
Weight:	pounds
BMI Calculator

Most experts agree that it is your Waist-to-Hip Ratio and Waist Circumference (along with BMI) that provides a clearer picture of your long-term health. That’s because carrying excess fat around the waist puts anybody at a higher risk for heart disease and death.

Click this link for an online tool to calculate your own Waist-to-Hip Ratio.

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Knowing your basic numbers will give you a starting point for making the changes you need to lose weight and improve your health. Tracking your BMI and waist-to-hip ratio over time, as well as your body fat and girth measurements, can help you figure out if you’re on the right track.

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Life-long fitness can start right now.

Doug
MyTrainerSays.com