Ever seen the charts that say how much you should weigh based on your age and height? Much of the research on what is a healthy weight is based on self reported values. Studies show that most people underreport their weight by 10 to 20 lbs. The first weight charts came out of telephone surveys done by insurance companies collecting data on health risk related to weight.

Body mass index (BMI) has become the gold standard for determining healthy weights because it is easy for researchers to calculate. All you need to know is a height and weight. BMI does not distinguish between fat and muscle weight or different body types. Muscle weighs much more than fat tissue, so body builders with less than 10% body fat may come across as obese based on their BMI because they have a lot of muscle.

Percent of body fat may be a more accurate reflection of health status, which can be measured fairly easily by a hand held device. I have also seen scales that have included the ability to read the body composition. These devices are based on their ability to measure water content in the body. Muscle tissue has a much higher water concentration than fat tissue. Accuracy of measurements is affected by hydration levels.

The ideal body fat percent is different for men and women. Men naturally have more muscle tissue as part of their physiology than women. Men, therefore, have a higher metabolism than women. That is why it is easier for men to lose weight than women.

Do you know your percentage of body fat?