Measuring Up

When you think of healthy measures what comes to mind? Is it a measuring tool to measure food, Is it measuring the amount of water you intake daily, Is it measuring the amount of sleep you get each night, or maybe measuring the amount of exercise you do daily. Each of these is a healthy way to measure healthy habits.

Did you know that taking measurements of your body is a healthy way to hold yourself accountable to maintain a healthy body fat percentage?

What is body fat percentage?
Body Fat percentage is the body’s total mass of fat divided by its total body mass.

What is a healthy body fat percentage?
A healthy body fat percentage differs among genders. Women can safely carry more fat on their bodies than men, as women need the extra fat for such reasons as ovulation.

The American Council of Exercise deems it acceptable for a woman to have a body fat percentage between 25 and 31, but reports that anything beyond 32 percent is obese.

The American Council of Exercise deems it acceptable for a man to have a body fat percentage between 18 to 24, but reports that anything beyond 25 percent is obese.

How to calculate your body fat percentage
There are several ways to calculate one’s body fat percentage. One of the simplest ways is by taking the measurements of your height, weight, neck, waist & hips. Next using an online body fat percentage calculator input all of information and find your range according to the American Council of Exercise.

Maintaining a healthy body fat percentage is essential to avoiding many illnesses that are associated with obesity such as hypertension, diabetes and certain cancers.

Resources:
American Council of Exercise

Attend one of the FREE exercise classes offered by the City of Los Fresnos.

For more information contact Christine De La Rosa, Los Fresnos Community Health Worker at 956-312-1406 or email at [email protected] or Los Fresnos City Hall at 956-233-5768.