For example, if you weigh 70kg (around 11 stone) and are 1.73m (around 5 feet 8 inches) tall, you work out your BMI by:

The BMI calculation divides an adult's weight in kilograms (kg) by their height in metres (m) squared.Measuring your waist to height ratio can tell you if you have excess tummy fat, even if you have a healthy BMI.

All you need is a tape measure and a simple calculation: waist measurement divided by hip measurement. You can use any units as it is only the ratio that is important. High risk is defined as a waist-hip ratio above 0.90 for males and above 0.85 for females. The down side: If you are wearing clothing, opt for light clothing without footwear. Remember to wear the same clothing for future weight measurements. Being overweight, especially being obese, can increase your risk of developing serious health problems, including: What to do if you have just used our Army height and weight calculator and the results do not cover the 2023 requirements of the DoD? What if you want to improve them, how do you begin? There are several general tips to help reduce your body fat percentage and cover the requirement. Ideally measure on bare skin without clothing, if this is not possible measure wearing one thin layer of clothing.

Always position the scale where there is easy access and on a hard flat surface (carpet is not suitable). This method is also not the best for assessing athletes, as they have denser bones. It does not identify the exact parts of the body where the fat is located. It is less common since the introduction of air displacement assessment, which is easier to do.

You only need a piece of string (a tape measure will also work). It works for any race, age or gender. 6. Skinfold measurements – callipers or “the pinch test” Waist circumference is less reliable in overweight and obese people. Waist circumference and disease risk Place the tape measure directly on your skin. You should not wear more than one layer of light clothing. Being overweight or obeseincreases your risk of many health problems. But it’s not just the amount of fat: where it is matters too. DEXA is more commonly used to assess bone density, but can also be used to measure body composition. You lie still on a table while a machine arm passes over your entire body, which emits a high- and a low-energy X-ray beam.

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A waist to height ratio of 0.5 or higher means you may have increased health risks such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. Measuring your waist can help reduce your risk of heart and circulatory diseases, as Professor Naveed Sattar tells Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily McGrath. Why does your waist measurement matter?

It is a very accurate technique. Consistent results means that it is a reliable method to measure progress. The down side: Read more information about obesity. You may want to see a GP for help and advice. Waist to height ratio Overweight and obesity are health conditions of excess weight. They often result from eating too much food and/or not doing enough physical activity. When measured properly, its accuracy is typically within 5 per cent of the body fat value measured using underwater weighing, which is one of the most accurate ways of measuring body composition. The down side:First, you should consider reducing the number of calories you consume through eating. Our calorie calculator can be used to get an idea of where you need to aim. Persistence and motivation are key, as well as recruiting the help of people around you. Find out more about having a balanced diet and find fitness videos you can try at home to maintain a healthy weight. Overweight These are measurements of excess body fat, not a precise measurement of body composition. For an accurate reading you need to know where to place the measuring tape.