what is the difference between bmi and body fat measurement?

Hi Jake,

Here's the difference between BMI and body fat measurement:

BMI (body mass index) was developed as a quick screening tool to determine body fat.  Studies have shown a good correlation between BMI and direct measures of body fat, such as underwater weighing or skinfold thickness.  BMI is intended to be used for screening and not diagnosing a health problem.  If someone has a high BMI then other factors would be looked at to determine if weight was a health issue, such as frame size, muscularity, family history, skinfold measures, waist circumference, etc.

Body fat measurement is the direct measuring of body fat through skinfold thickness, underwater weight, electrical impedance, etc.

All the best,

Lisa Nelson, RD, LN

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