Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculated from your height and weight, BMI is a fairly reliable indicator of body fat and can help assess risk for chronic disease. While age, sex, body type and race all play a part in fully determining health risk, they are not used to calculate BMI and thus this metric is best used as a guide when considered aside other metrics.

Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR)

Abdominal fat has been shown to be more stressful on the heart than fat located on other areas of the body, such as the hips, thighs, or arms. This type of fat is able to stimulate hormone production and inflammatory agents within the body. For this reason, WHtR is measured to not only assess weight health, but also cardiovascular health.

Improve Your BMI/WHtR

Get moving! Changing your body composition requires physical activity. Make sure you're getting at least 30 minutes of cardio each day and are incorporating strength training into your workouts. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so by building muscle with strength training you'll help keep your metabolism burning high for hours after each workout.

Of course, diet and nutrition are also important. Aim to have at least one serving of a fruit or vegetable with each meal and snack, totaling 5 each day. Choose lean meats and healthy fats. The abundant fiber in fruits and vegetables will take up way more space in your stomach than more heavily processed foods, helping to fill you up faster. The surge of vitamins and powerful antioxidants from these fruits and veggies doesn’t hurt either, and the protein and healthy fats will help satiate you so you stay fuller longer.

Learn More @

cdc.org