If you are concerned about your weight, you can measure your body fat and belly fat by using formulas and a tape measure. If you have large amounts of fat, especially around the mid-section, you are at an increased risk of serious medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, stroke and cancer. Talk to your doctor about making diet and exercise changes to lose weight.
Body Fat
Step 1
Use the body mass index (BMI) formula to estimate the percentage of your body fat. BMI is calculated by using your height and weight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, BMI is a reliable indicator of how much body fat you have.
Step 2
Divide your weight in pounds by your height squared. For instance, if you weigh 150 lbs. and stand 65 inches tall, the quotient would be 0.0355029586. Multiply the quotient by 703. For instance, if you stand 65 inches and weigh 150 lbs., your body mass index would be 24.9. A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight while a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a normal weight. If you have a BMI between 25.0 and 29.9, you are labeled overweight. When the BMI is 30.0 or above, you are deemed obese.
Step 3
Speak to your doctor about other methods used to measure body fat. Underwater weight measurement, skinfold thickness, dual x-ray absorption and isotope dilution are types of medical tests used by physicians to determine body fat percentage.
Belly Fat
Step 1
Remove your shirt. Place a tape measure around your middle. It should be positioned slightly above your hips.
Step 2
Tighten the tape measure around your waist. It should fit firmly without digging into the skin.
Step 3
Relax the belly and check that the tape is level completely around your waist. Look at the tape measure to determine in inches your waist measurement.
Step 4
Analyze the results. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you are a man, a waist measurement above 40 inches puts you at a higher risk of medical disorders associated with belly fat. Women with a waist measurement above 35 inches are at an increased risk.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
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