how accurate is the BMI test? we were tested in gym on a scale that you step barefoot onto and i think it uses some pulse to measure body content. anyways mine was only 3.1% and i'm wondering if that is unhealthy, i am about 5'6" and a little under 110 lbs. i eat a pretty big amount including breakfast and all, and i feel great during practice everyday, just wondering what your thoughts/ BMI's are
That is NOT BMI. That is BIA.
BMI is a ratio of height and weight.
BIA uses electrical current to estimate body fat.
As for accuracy, to get the best results you need to follow the manufacturer's specs as close as possible and be well-hydrated. There is some error of measurement, but it can be close enough.
I'm not obese, really.
BMI = Weight/(Height)^2
However, since volume goes up with the cube of scale for three-dimensional object, the squared function does not scale up the denominator as fast as it probably should and, as a result, the value is low for short people and too high for tall people.
26mi235 wrote:
BMI = Weight/(Height)^2
However, since volume goes up with the cube of scale for three-dimensional object, the squared function does not scale up the denominator as fast as it probably should and, as a result, the value is low for short people and too high for tall people.
...and the BMI was never meant for; A. individual diagnosis, and B. non-sedentary individuals.
The BMI was invented for use in POPULATION studies and its own creator claimed it to be "inappropriate for individual diagnosis." Plus it was designed to classify "sedentary individuals of average body composition."