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Body fat, body water, bone mass, and BMI

KL_24
KL_24 Posts: 28 Member
edited January 7 in Health and Weight Loss
Does anyone know the difference between body fat, body water, bone mass, and BMI? Trying to pick out a good scale and I'm not sure what to look out for!

Replies

  • brevislux
    brevislux Posts: 1,093 Member
    I wouldn't trust the scales to give you an accurate body fat %... I think it's better to go to the gym and have it checked by calipers.

    Generally though, body fat - how much of your weight consists of fat.

    BMI is a height/weight ratio. You can check yours on the internet. It's a good tool but doesn't necessarily say anything about your health, so use with caution.

    Body water - how much of your weight is water.

    Edit: a simple BMI calculator: http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/
  • ChinniP
    ChinniP Posts: 166 Member
    this was a great source of information I had found: http://www.caloriesperhour.com/tutorial_BMR.php
  • KL_24
    KL_24 Posts: 28 Member
    great thank you!!!
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    I wouldn't trust the scales to give you an accurate body fat %... I think it's better to go to the gym and have it checked by calipers.

    Generally though, body fat - how much of your weight consists of fat.

    BMI is a height/weight ratio. You can check yours on the internet. It's a good tool but doesn't necessarily say anything about your health, so use with caution.

    Body water - how much of your weight is water.

    Edit: a simple BMI calculator: http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

    ^^this

    The scales are not accurate at all. If you cannot get a caliper test done at the gym, pick up some yourself - they are about $5. They also have inaccuracies but are a little better and a lot cheaper than the scales.
  • mmddwechanged
    mmddwechanged Posts: 1,687 Member
    [/quote]

    ^^this

    The scales are not accurate at all. If you cannot get a caliper test done at the gym, pick up some yourself - they are about $5. They also have inaccuracies but are a little better and a lot cheaper than the scales.
    I asked my husband for calipers. I should find out shortly if he got them:). I know it's a bit of a controversial gift but he usually listens to me:)
  • RobynLB
    RobynLB Posts: 617 Member
    Does anyone know the difference between body fat, body water, bone mass, and BMI? Trying to pick out a good scale and I'm not sure what to look out for!

    Don't bother spending the extra money for a body composition scale. If you really want one, I'll send you my Tanita. They are pretty useless for body composition. Just get the regular $10 scale form the drugstore or wherever.
  • KL_24
    KL_24 Posts: 28 Member
    hmmm okay i didnt order it yet so maybe i wont bother! Thanks!
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