Losing weight is a challenge, and it’s disappointing when you’ve put in a lot of effort but see a negligible change on the scale. The number that appears on the scale is not the only way to measure your weight loss progress. Have you measured your BMI?
What is BMI?
BMI stand for Body Mass Index and is simply a calculation based on your body weight in relation to your height. Once you know your BMI, you can compare it to a BMI chart and see where you fit. Are you within a healthy weight range, or below (underweight) or above (overweight). The chart will also tell you what your ideal weight range is–the number might not be as low as would think.
One thing to be aware of though, is that BMI does not take into account your body composition. So, for example, if you are a bodybuilder, your BMI results may say you are overweight. This happens because of the weight of muscle, which weighs more than fat (in fact, you may even gain weight if you are building muscle–another reason not to rely on the scale!).
How can your BMI help you lose weight?
1. If you have a lot of weight to lose, your BMI is still a useful tracking tool. For starters, your normal BMI weight range gives you a tangible goal to strive for.
2. It is user-friendly, equipment-free calculation that provides a good starting point for your weight loss efforts.
3. It gives you a general estimate of your body fat.
4. It can help assess certain health risks associated with being overweight or obese, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Once you have lost the weight and find yourself within a healthy weight range, you will need to fine-tune your tracking tools to include those that are more precise and accurate, such a body fat measurements because BMI measurements are not particularly accurate for fit individuals.
If you need help tracking your fitness progress, our personal trainers can help. They have the tools to calculate your BMI, body fat percentage, and measure body composition. And if you have a lot of weight to lose, they will help you develop a sustainable fitness program.