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« What is BMI? | Main | Evaluating the Fat »

My Numbers Revealed

By Cindy | July 10, 2007

Okay, I’m not going to hide my numbers. My numbers illustrate the different results of 3 methods: BMI, Body Composition Assessment (BCA) or Height/Weight(Navy’s Formula), and Calipers (Skin-Fold Method).

My Scale: 173 The YMCA scale: 167 *Pretty big difference, huh? I’ll use my scale because of availability.
Height: 64 inches
BMI: 30
BCA: 42% *Although high, I will accept this fat measurement because it evaluates my largest body section: The Caboose.
Calipers: 30%
Waist: 37 inches
Hip/Caboose: 44 inches
Bust: 38 inches
Arm: 12.5 inches
Thigh: 26 inches

Numbers are an excellent, non-emotional snapshot of today. How the numbers are obtained result in the error of the measurement’s capabilities. The only testing which accurately measures the body composition is called Hydrostatic Weighting which required lots of test equipment and a specialized pool. Self testing isn’t an option.
BMI is an indicator more than an accurate measurement of body fat. The calipers use a snapshot of multiple sites on the body. In my case, seven points were taken to come up with a result. The BCA took into account my rather large caboose. I’m not sure the calipers testing was able to account for the extra cushioning I carry.

With that in mind, here’s how I interpret my numbers and how I intend to monitor my progress.

I regularly weigh myself at home. It’s accuracy is based on my history with the scale. I will go with the highest Body Fat % number for two reasons. One, I can evaluate myself at any time. Two, I don’t know how effective the calipers are when I know the size of my caboose. I’m pretty sure a good 20 % of fat resides there! I also have a good history with the BCA measurements throughout the Academy and my Navy Career. I’ve always measured high with the BCA. I regularly had to have measurements taken even when I knew I was physically fit. I’m comfortable using the large numbers because I know I can reduce them. Well, I am off to work that caboose.

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