High School Algebra Finally Pays Off: The Body Fat Equation

When approaching your goals for a better you, every game plan needs to start with determining where you are, and where you want to end up. We're going to talk about some ways to assess where you are -- right now -- so that you can make sure that the goals you have set (or will set) are reasonable. And yes, this will be on the test!

Whenever going into battle, a commander will send out reconnaissance experts to collect information on the size and strength of the enemy. We will continue to use a "battle" theme in this article, because your fight to lose weight and lose fat is nothing short of that.

Just as the commander needs to have a good assessment of what he or she is facing, we need to have an accurate assessment of our current situation so that we can set proper and appropriate goals. An inappropriate goal can insure failure, or worse, cause us physical harm.

If your goal is to look like a swimsuit model in time for your Hawaiian vacation a month and a half from now, you'd better not need to lose more than a few pounds. If your goal is to lose ten pounds per week for the next six weeks, you're simply not being practical.

With that said, what is 'reasonable'? You probably know how much you weigh, but do you know what percentage of your overall weight is fat?

The best way to know is to see a doctor or go to a gym that can calculate your body fat percentage. Normal body fat levels for women are between 22 - 25% and between 15 - 18% for men. Lean people will be slightly less, and athletes even lower. In lieu of that, there is a simple calculation that serves as a good guide, but is no where near as accurate.

This method is called the BMI or Body Mass Index and was created by the National Institutes of Health in 1998. The BMI uses your height and your weight to generate a factor that suggests whether you are underweight, normal, overweight or obese.

The BMI is generalized, so it cannot take frame size into account. If you have a large frame, your BMI will seem worse than it is, if you have a small frame, your BMI will seem better than it is. Use it as a guide and then add a portion of common sense.

In order to calculate your BMI, use the following equation:

BW = Body Weight in Pounds
HI = Height in Inches

(BW / (HI * HI) ) * 703

You will need a calculator to solve this equation.

If you failed algebra, here is the equation in English:

Divide your body weight in pounds (BW) by the square* of your height in inches (HI) and multiply that result by 703.

Once you've calculated your BMI, use the following guidelines to find out how you measure up:

BMI < 18.5 You Are Underweight (you need to find a new article to read!)
BMI > 18.5 AND < 24.9 You are in the "Recommended Weight" zone!
BMI > 24.9 AND < 30 You are in the "Overweight" zone!
BMI > 30 You are in the "Obese" zone.

Again, this gives you a rough guide, but it also gives you (possibly) a more realistic view of your current situation.

This more realistic idea will help you to set more realistic and achievable goals, which lead to a greater degree of success!

( * - The "SQUARE" of a number means the number times itself. The "square" of 4 is 16.)

Michael Callen is the author of the Weekly Weightloss Tips Newsletter (ccwebgroup.com/tips) and the Chief Technology Officer for WellnessPartners.com, an online retailer of dozens of health and wellness products such as conjugated linoleic acid (cla), r+ alpha lipoic acid (R+ ALA), and conjugated linoleic acid (cla).

shuttle from O'Hare Orland Park .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

FireSat is a satellite project designed to detect and track wildfires early, aiming to detect a fire that's the size of a classroom within 20 minutes.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reports that researchers have uncovered a Chrome vulnerability used in a cyber espionage campaign.
Preserving voicemails securely on Android: Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals easy methods to keep memories alive forever.
This phishing kit bypasses 2FA via session hijacking and real-time credential theft. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers four ways to stay safe from Astaroth phishing attacks.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic planning to launch 200-mph U.K. air taxis linking airports and cities.
Fake Apple virus warnings, security alerts and messages are tactics used to prompt you to call a number or click on a malicious link. The CyberGuy explains how to protect your devices.
The combination of artificial intelligence and neuroscience allows a paralyzed man to manipulate a robotic arm by using his brain to imagine movements.
With the help of artificial intelligence, sophisticated fraud techniques emerging today are virtually undetectable to the untrained eye.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
If you need to free up space on your Mac, consider deleting duplicate photos in your image library. Apple makes it easy to do, and the CyberGuy explains the process.
Microsoft is discontinuing Skype in May after 22 years of service. Kurt the CyberGuy addresses other options for internet-based phone and video service.
Tron 1, a Chinese company's two-legged robot, is versatile and can walk, roll and pivot, even on rough terrain. Tron 1 stands 33 inches tall and weighs 44 pounds.
Hackers are tricking people into installing password-stealing malware by making them press keyboard shortcuts under the pretense of proving they're not bots.
Saving the voices of loved ones can be a comforting way to keep alive memories. Kurt "the CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how to preserve voicemail messages.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
The FBI warns that some free online document converters load malware onto people's computers, making their private information vulnerable to attack.
Toyota's compact electric FT-Me is designed to tackle challenges of city living while offering an accessible and eco-friendly transportation solution.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says 23andMe's bankruptcy raises data privacy fears: Opt out, download and delete data now.
UBTech and Zeekr unite with AI robot swarms to make car manufacturing faster and smarter. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how the process works.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Apple's Passwords app had a three-month phishing flaw from iOS 18 to 18.2 patch.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how this super-small electric mini-truck takes a big step toward production.
Artificial intelligence-generated images and videos that use someone’s likeness typically target women without their consent. The CyberGuy unpacks how to protect loved ones.
A humanoid robot developed in China has transformed from a nimble dancer to performing kung fu moves with surprising precision and balance.
To protect memories, documents and personal data, you should back up your information on personal drives, according to Kurt the CyberGuy.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents

Getting Enough Sleep at Night May Just Help You Lose Weight

Eating the right foods and exercising regularly have been the... Read More

Diet Candy for Delicious Weight Loss

There are currently over 100 billion dollars sold in weight-loss... Read More

The Tao of Weight Watchers Part Two

As I explained in the first part of this article,... Read More

Finding a Weight Loss Program

Getting involved in Weight Loss Program can be intimidating for... Read More

How to Eat All You Want and Still Lose Weight

How would you like to eat all you want and... Read More

The Calorie Formula -understand Them and Lose Them

We have all heard of those new diets, Atkins, low... Read More

5 Ways To Make Protein Benefit You

Imagine this ... What if you could ?Increase the rate... Read More

2 Ways To Start Burning More Calories Today

1. Start Exercising first thing in the morning.As soon as... Read More

Fat Acceptance

With tons of information out there on "Fat Acceptance" does... Read More

Basic Approaches To Weight Management

Being over weight is usually being 20 percent or more... Read More

The Number One Secret Of Successful Weight Loss

There's one thing that most people forget about when it... Read More

Lose Weight and Keep it Off Permanently Without Fancy Diets

For years the experts have been telling us that diets... Read More

Mesotherapy vs. Cellulite For A Knockout

In the battle to look good, there's a cosmetic treatment... Read More

How to Lose Weight On A Gluten Free Diet

Many celiacs lose weight before they are diagnosed; indeed it... Read More

Carnitine Weight Loss Revealed: Why L-Carnitine Should Be The #1 Weight Loss Drug

Carnitine is simply the safest and healthiest supplement you can... Read More

Weight Loss Psychology- Sticking to an Exercise Program!

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE NUMBERS!The health clubs are always racking... Read More

After Gastric Bypass: Some Tough Love on Grieving Food

New gastric bypass patients say they miss food, they grieve... Read More

The Secret to Reaching Your Ideal Weight

There are many books and internet articles written about weight... Read More

New Weight Loss Program -- How to Make Your Diet Work

This is a continuation of the article entitled, "Making Diets... Read More

Atkins Diet in UK

The most recent shocking news related to Atkins diet UK... Read More

Weight Loss With Ionamin: Gentle Plan, Mighty Results

You know you have will-power. You can change a diaper... Read More

Dieting Strategy -- Stop Diet Drop Out

Diet drop out, a significant problem for all types of... Read More

Weight Loss With Water

It's calorie-free, inexpensive and easily obtained - yet few people... Read More

Weight Loss: Are You Frustrated? Have Low Energy? Dont Feel Good about Yourself? Lose Weight Now!

Twenty years of health club consulting, 50,000 hours of paid... Read More

Zone Diet Weight Loss Program

The Zone Diet as a weight loss program has been... Read More

Lincoln Town Car rentals Addison ..