Low BMI with High Body Fat?

nirehtyls
nirehtyls Posts: 1 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I am 5'9 (around 175cm) and 132lbs (~60kg) - estimated BMI around 19.5 and normally size small/ size 4 in women's clothing (if this helps). But according to body fat calculation, I have ~36% body fat... just wondering about how accurate are these numbers or is there any thing I should do about these numbers (decrease body fat?)

Replies

  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,751 Member
    It really depends on how the body fat was measured. Some ways of measuring (like scales) are not very accurate. Some (calipers or hydrostatic weighing) are more accurate. A dexa scan is the most accurate.
    http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20948380,00.html#keeping-track-0
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    Two things to consider:

    1) BMI is NOT an exact measure for BF. It is only considered an indicator of what the creators considered a "normal" weight based on height. OF course, there are certain assumptions about BF inherent in the algorthim but nobody really knows what they are.

    The fact that BMI is imperfect as a measure of BF is indicated by bodybuilders w/low BF who are considered overweight or obese despite low BF (or seniors w/high BF who are considered normal) using BMI.

    2) How do you know that your BF is about 36%?

    How was it measured? If you did not have it measured by means of a DXA scan, hydrostatic testing or someone experienced and qualified to take and compute BF caliper measurements, the result is highly suspect.

    The most unreliable methods of BF measurement frequently used are bioelectric devices used at home and in gyms. Mathematical tape measure based BF calculators that you can find online are no better.

    The only commercially available methods of BF measurement worth using are DXA and hydrostatic testing and even they are subject to some error, just much less than others.

    Caliper measurements can be quite accurate but there are few people who are properly trained and qualified to take such measurements. Much easier and reliable to get a DXA scsn or hydro test instead.
  • kokonani
    kokonani Posts: 507 Member
    There are charts and photos of people with different body fat percentages if you Google it. Generally you get a sense of where you fall under. You can kind of compare with those body images and see if 36% is accurate.
  • RogueRunner_1
    RogueRunner_1 Posts: 32 Member
    Those body fat calculators are never accurate, you need to see a doctor for a correct BF measurement. And a BMI of 19.5 is healthy, anything under 18.5 is considered low
  • natasor1
    natasor1 Posts: 271 Member
    If u measured your fat% by scales, the answer is simple, The scales sent elecical impendant current throu your body reaching only low part of the body. The top of women body (which is slimmest) stays away from measurements.
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