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Fitness Index: More Data Means Better Insights

TM

Fitness Index vs BMI

The problem with Body Mass Index (BMI) is it relies solely on height and weight, which means it can't distinguish between weight from muscle and weight from body fat. As a result, individuals with more muscular builds are often categorized as obese. 

Fitness Index incorporates multiple body measurements across the torso and limbs, including waist circumference to account for visceral & subcutaneous fat, as well as overall body fat percentage.

Muscle Factor

Fitness Index = 

Body Fat % * 100

Subject A is shorter and more muscular. His BMI would label him as obese.

 BMI = 39.5
 Fitness Index = 14.5 

Comparison of 2 scanned subjects with similar Fitness Index ratings but very different BMIs

Subject A

Subject B

Subject B is taller and less muscular. His BMI would label him as normal.

 BMI = 19.7
 Fitness Index = 14.1 

Their Fitness Indices are Nearly Identical!

Accounting for body fat is critical to tracking fitness & promoting longterm wellbeing

There are many well-researched medical benefits to increasing your muscle mass:​
​

  • Improved metabolic function

  • Enhanced insulin sensitivity

  • Reduced chronic disease risk

  • Improved bone support for healthy aging

Medical studies have also shown that visceral fat and a large waist circumference increases your risk of:​
​

  • Heart disease

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • High blood pressure & cholesterol

  • Respiratory issues

  • Higher mortality rates

Woman exercising to reduce body fat in improve fitness and health
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