Body fat measurement is the better way to determine overweight and obesity. Measuring body fat does not sufficiently describe regional distribution of fat, such as in the upper body, which is a better predictor of some obesity-related complications such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Numerous methods are used to measure body fat in clinical settings and these are extremely accurate. However, these methods are somewhat expensive and not readily accessible. Body fat can also be measured at home expediently, inexpensively, and with relative accuracy. You can also determine your body fat by measuring neck circumference.

Recent studies have revealed that measuring a person's neck circumference could be a worthwhile method to determine a person's overall fitness when used in conjunction with BMI. Neck size could be an indication of weight problems. Health professionals have revealed a break-through method to screen obesity rates due to facing of hefty criticism with BMI measurements. The author of the study says, "BMI does not accurately define central body fatness whereas neck circumference is an inexpensive way to determine the body's fat composition.”

The study measured height, weight, and neck circumference of 1,100 children to determine whether or not this method could be used to detect obesity. As a result of the study, researchers were able to set specific measurements in children that could be related with a higher risk of obesity.

Body Fat:

The human body requires fat for good health. Fats play a role in transferring fat-soluble vitamins, preserving body temperature, cellular function. Body fat is a high powered energy source. Naturally, females carry more body fat than males and the suggested body fat percentage changes with age.

Study Findings:

Researchers found that measuring neck circumference was the most dependable tool to pick obesity in kids.

For a 6-year-old boy, recording a neck circumference more than 28.5 centimeters made him 3.6 times more probable to be overweight or obese, as against his peer with a smaller neck circumference.

Moreover screening for obesity, measuring neck circumference might also be accommodating in picking up clue for sleep apnea.

Neck measurement Method to determine body fat:

To determine body fat percentage, you can use the circumference of the neck. One of the most famous methods to use the neck circumference is the formula used by the U.S. Navy. When the subject is younger, physically active and isn't overweight, this formula is most accurate. The body fat formula used by the U.S. Navy will also require a few additional measurements that depend on the subject's sex.

Step: 1

Take the measurements for women. These measurements include the height, the circumference of the neck at the Adam's apple, the waist at its narrowest point and the hips at their widest point.

Step: 2

Take the measurements for men. These measurements include the height, the circumference of the neck at the Adam's apple and the waist at the navel.

Step: 3

Calculate the body density for women. This is given by the equation,

BD = 1.29579 - 0.35004 x (log [2.54 x (W + I -- N)] + 0.221 x (log [H x 2.54]

Where,

BD is the body density
W is the waist
I is the hips
N is the neck
H is the height

Step: 4

Compute the body density for men. This is given by the equation,

BD = 1.0324 - 0.19077 x (log [2.54 x (W -- N)] + 0.15456 x (log [H x 2.54]

Where,

BD is the body density
W is the waist
N is the neck
H is the height

Step: 5

Finally, you can calculate body fat percentage from the body density which is obtained in Steps 3 or 4. Calculate body fat percentage from the equation,

BF = 495 / BD - 450

Where,

BF is the body fat percentage
BD is the body density

Source: www.livestrong.com

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