Knowing certain numbers offer you a better view of your health status. These numbers give you an outline of the degree of wellness you are at currently and give you an indication of what needs to change.
Your weight: This number gives you a guide line on how healthy you are. There are charts online that will give you a range of where your weight should be based on height and gender. When using a scale to track progress, your weight will fluctuate during the day and even the week.
Body Mass Index: The use of the BMI height-weight relationship does not evaluate body composition. Health professionals note that there are exceptions to the BMI. A low BMI may be a symptom of a serious disease not a cause and that muscular people may have a high BMI and not be obese.
Body fat percentage: The body has a need for essential fat. The minimum essential is approximately, 3 percent for males and 12-15 percent for females. Criteria for obesity are noted at 25 percent for males and 37 percent for females. Knowing your body fat percentage can give you a better understanding on your health.
Daily Calorie intake: Estimating how many calories you should take in during the day will help you to determine if you are over eating. The calories you eat per day coincide with the energy used during the day. Estimate how many calories your body needs to function (discussed earlier)
Your measurements: Using a tape measure, measure your waist, hips, chest, arms and thighs. Tracking these numbers allows you see muscle increase and fat loss, sometimes before you see it on the scale.
Waist circumference is a good screening technique for regional fat distribution. Waist circumference is also related to the size of visceral fat stores. Waist circumferences over 40 inches and in women over 35 inches indicate an apple shape and excessive storage of visceral fat.
