Body fat measurement method is more accurate and simple than BMI

Body mass index (BMI), currently the most widely used method to assess whether a person is overweight or underweight. But now scientists offer a new and improved alternative: relative fat mass index (RFM).

According to Science Alert, the RFM team said it was more accurate than BMI and just measured with a tape measure. So you don't need a measuring scale like BMI.

For RFM, it will take waist circumference data with height to calculate, not body weight. The researchers say that it shows exactly how much body fat is at a healthy level.

" We want to find a more reliable, simple and cheaper method to assess body fat without using sophisticated devices," said Orison Woolcott, a researcher from Cedars Medical Center. Sinai in California said.

"Our results confirm the value of new formulas for a large number of subjects. RFM is a better method of measuring body fat than many indicators currently used in medicine and science. learning, including BMI. "

To calculate BMI, you divide the weight (kg) by height (m), then take the result divided by your height again. The end result is compared to a chart of healthy weight for each height: the normal BMI is between 18.5 and 25.

Experts have always admitted imperfect BMI - it does not take into account gender differences and does not accurately reflect muscle mass. The result may be misleading for children and the elderly.

This proves that BMI is a quick way to track issues such as obesity over time and over the population. It can identify potential health problems related to someone's weight, even if it's just a rough guide.

Now, perhaps BMI was not really effective anymore. To get new RFM measurements, you measure the height and waist circumference, then apply the data to this formula:

Men: 64 - (20 x height / waist circumference) = RFM

Female: 76 - (20 x height / waist circumference) = RFM

And this new calculation seems to work. Based on data from 3,456 adult patients in the US, RFM measurements almost match the body's DXA tests (considered the gold standard for measuring body tissue, bones, muscles and fat).

In other words, RFM is almost a measure of body fat as good as a specialized medical device - and all you need is a tape measure. RFM's calculations are more accurate than the other 300 formulas that researchers have tried.

Hopefully the new calculation will help any trouble with weight and health problems (such as diabetes and high blood pressure) that can better monitor your body's fat level.

However, so far, we need more research on more subjects to ensure that RFM is really accurate. If that is proven, it may be time to say goodbye to BMI.

" We still need to test RFM in studies on many people to determine whether the percentage of body fat is considered normal or abnormal in relation to serious obesity problems , " Woolcott said.