BMI Vs BFP

GemW27
GemW27 Posts: 41
in Health and Weight Loss
I've just calculated my Body Fat Percentage using: http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/bf/

Firstly, has anyone any experience with this website - Is it accurate?

Secondly, my body fat percentage was calculated at 25.2 %. By their table this is within the 'healthy range' (21-33%)

Yet my BMI is 'overweight' at 28.6.

I know people say to ignore BMI but even going by "size" (i.e. dress size) I am definately overweight.

Can anyone shed any light on this?

Thanks

Replies

  • hastinbe
    hastinbe Posts: 130 Member
    Body fat measurements are often wrong and difficult to accurately measure with consistency. Likewise, not everyone uses the same BMI ranges. Some years ago the limits were lowered in the US which made millions of Americans who were previously considered healthy to overweight overnight! I wouldn't say to ignore BMI, but you have to understand that the upper limit is variable and last I checked was 25. In addition, formulas for figuring body density, body fat, and BMI prime depend on where you go. And even worse those formulas work with some people and not for others!

    What I'm saying is, either don't sweat it, find a calculator / formula that works for you, or get these measured by a professional to have something to compare to that you consider accurate.
  • GemW27
    GemW27 Posts: 41
    Thanks

    I think I'll get my BMI done by a professional!
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    This is part of the reason why BMI is not a valid indicator of weight (or health) in an individual. BMI was intended to be a comparative statistic between general populations, not individuals. It doesn't take body composition into consideration; a 190-pound bodybuilder at 6% bodyfat will have the same BMI as a 190-pound fat slob with 40% bodyfat who never gets out of their armchair or lifts anything heavier than a 12-ounce beer can. Your bodyfat (and the mirror) are much more reliable indicators of health/fitness/proper weight than BMI.
  • yuckidah
    yuckidah Posts: 290 Member
    My BMI at 31.4 is 'obese' (just - nearly down to 'overweight') yet my BFP is 24.6
    Odd
  • GemW27
    GemW27 Posts: 41
    That's what I find odd too!

    Ok so take BMI out of the equation.

    I am 5'2" , 11 stone & a UK size 12/14. That is definately overwight - so why is my body fat percentage in the healthy range?

    I'm thinking this website must be inacurate!

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