Body mass index, or BMI, is a component of body composition and it is determined from your height and weight. If you have a high BMI and excess fat, you are at an increased risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, according to the American Heart Association. Muscle mass is often referred to as lean body mass. This is all the material in your body other than fat. To determine your BMI and lean body mass, you need to utilize your math skills.
BMI
Step 1
Step on the scale first thing in the morning to determine your weight. Do this on an empty stomach and after using the bathroom. Use 200 lbs. as an example.
Step 2
Remove your shoes and socks and stand with your back to a wall to get your height. Take a pencil and mark the top of your head on the wall. Use a tape measure to measure your height in inches. Use 75 inches for an example.
Step 3
Convert your weight and height to kilograms and meters. Divide 200 by 2.2 to get your weight in kilograms. This comes out the 91 kg. Multiply 75 times .0254 to get your height in meters. This comes out to 1.9 m.
Step 4
Input your numbers into the equation weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Use the examples from Steps 1 and 2. It would be 91/1.9 x 1.9 and your BMI would be 25.
Step 5
Find out where you rank. Utilize an online BMI chart like the one on the Centers for Disease Control's website. A BMI of 25 would be considered overweight.
Lean Body Mass
Step 1
Take out a hand held body fat analyzer and hit the "On/Off" switch. Wait for the digital screen to light up. Answer the questions it asks you and be as accurate as possible. It will ask for your gender, weight, height, activity level and age.
Step 2
Grip the handles of the analyzer and extend your arms straight in front of your body. Stand with your feet about hip-width apart and make sure to cover as much of the galvanized areas as possible.
Step 3
Press the "Start" button and wait for your body fat percentage to appear. This will take about seven seconds. Use 12 percent for an example.
Step 4
Determine your fat mass. Multiply your weight times your body fat percentage to get this number. Use 200 lbs. for an example; 200 x .12 = 24 lbs. of fat mass.
Step 5
Subtract your fat mass from your total body weight to determine your lean body mass; 200 - 24 = 176 lbs. of lean body mass.
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