Share This Article
Many people want to know what body parts they should measure for weight loss. Here are some guidelines to help you get started.
Checkout this video:
Table of Contents
Introduction
To successfully lose weight, you need to be aware of how much you’re eating and how many calories you’re burning through physical activity. But simply tracking your caloric intake and expenditure isn’t always enough to produce the results you want. You also need to focus on which body parts you measure for weight loss.
There are a few different ways to measure body fat, but the most accurate method is to use calipers to take skinfold measurements. This involves pinching different areas of skin andfat and measuring the thickness with a device that looks like a pair of pliers. Another option is to use bioelectrical impedance analysis, which uses electrical signals to estimate body fat percentage.
Your waist circumference is also an important measurement for weight loss, as it’s a good indicator of visceral fat – the type of fat that surrounds your organs and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. To measure your waist circumference, simply wrap a tape measure around your waist at its narrowest point.
Finally, don’t forget to weigh yourself regularly! This will give you a good indication of your overall progress and help you spot any potential Plateaus in your weight loss journey.
Body Fat Percentage
Body fat percentage is the percentage of your body weight that is composed of fat. It is often used as a measure of fitness level, since it is a good indicator of whether you are carrying too much body fat.
There are several ways to measure body fat percentage, but the most accurate method is underwater weighing. This method uses the principle of buoyancy to determine body density, which can then be used to calculate body fat percentage.
Underwater weighing is considered the gold standard for measuring body fat percentage, but it is also the most expensive and inconvenient method. If you want a more affordable and convenient option, you can use skinfold calipers to measure skinfold thickness at multiple sites on your body. These measurements can then be used to estimate body fat percentage.
Another option is to use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which uses a small electrical current to estimate body composition. BIA is not as accurate as underwater weighing or skinfold calipers, but it is more affordable and convenient than these methods.
No matter which method you use to measure body fat percentage, it is important to track your progress over time so that you can see how your fitness level is changing.
Waist Circumference
Your waist circumference is a good indicator of whether you’re carrying too much fat around your middle, which can raise your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
To measure your waist circumference:
-Stand and place a tape measure around your bare stomach, just above your hip bone.
-Breathe out naturally before taking the measurement.
-Make sure the tape measure is snug but not too tight.
-Measure to the nearest whole inch.
Your waist circumference should be less than 40 inches if you’re a man, or less than 35 inches if you’re a woman. A bigger waist circumference means you’re at a higher risk of developing obesity-related health problems.
Hip Circumference
The next measurement you’ll want to take is hip circumference. For this, you’ll want to place the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips, typically near the top of your thigh bone. Again, be sure to keep the tape measure level all the way around and wear clothing that won’t add bulk to this measurement. Once you have your measurement, enter it into the calculator.
Body Mass Index
Body mass index (BMI) is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness. BMI is used to screen for overweight and obesity in adults.
To calculate your BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide the result by your height in inches, and divide that result by your height in inches again. You can use our BMI calculator to find out your BMI.
A healthy weight is usually when your BMI is:
-18.5 to 24.9 for adults
-Below 18.5 for children and teens
Overweight is usually when your BMI is:
-25 to 29.9 for adults
-Above 25 for children and teens
Obesity is usually when your BMI is:
-30 or above for adults
-Above 30 for children and teens
Conclusion
When you’re working hard to lose weight, you want to see results. But what body parts should you measure to track your progress?
Here are some guidelines:
· For men, measure your waist at the narrowest point. For women, measure your waist at the level of your belly button.
· Measure your hips at the widest point.
· Measure your thighs at the widest point.
· Measure your arms at the level of your armpits, then relax your muscles and measure again.