Taking Height, Weight and ‘BMI’ Measurements
Learn how to take accurate height and weight measurements by reading this page,
you'll also discover the pro's and con's of the controversial Body Mass Index.
Taking weight measurements
To ensure you take reliable measurements using body weight scales you must:
1. Zero the scales before the client steps onto them
2. Ask the client to remove any ‘heavy’ items from their pockets (key’s,
wallets etc) and remove any heavy items of clothing or apparel (big
jackets, shoes, woollen jerseys etc)
3. Ensure you note the clients state and time of day for testing to ensure
any subsequent tests can be taken under identical conditions (check state
of hydration, food consumed recently etc)
4. When measuring weight – ask client to look straight ahead and stay still
on the scales. Wait for the needle/digital screen to settle before
recording the measurement
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Taking height measurements
Ideally height measurements will be taken using a ‘drop down’ tape measure fixed
at about 2metres on a wall or a specific piece of measuring equipment as shown
adjacent. A reliable measurement could be taken without this equipment by
marking a point (top of clients head) against a wall and measuring up to it.
When taking measurements of height you must:
Ask your client to remove their shoes prior to taking the measurement
Ask your client to stand with their back to the wall and look directly
forward. The back of their feet, calves, bottom, upper back and the back
of their head should all be in contact with the wall. They should be
positioned directly underneath the drop down measuring device.
Lower the measuring device until it rests gently on the top of your
clients head and record the measurement
Calculating BMI (body mass index)
A very common method of measuring bodyweight as a risk factor (cardiovascular
disease, diabetes etc) is BMI (Body Mass Index). The calculation is based on
comparing a person's weight against their height. It applies equally to men and
women.
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The equation for BMI is:
BMI = Weight (kg)
Height (m)2
The following table categorises people according to their BMI results:
BMI Categories
Underweight = <18.5
Normal = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25.0-29.9
Obesity = 30.0->40
BMI – The Pros
Measuring BMI is an inexpensive method which can be used to assess if a clients
body weight compared to their height is healthy or not. It can also be used to
assess their weight as a risk factor for the development of diseases. BMI is also
easy to calculate and the results are repeatable and consistent.
BMI – The Cons
The BMI is not very valid. For instance, it is possible for a healthy, muscular
person with very low body fat to be classified obese using the BMI formula. This
is because muscle weighs more than fat. BMI assumes that any excess weight is
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bad regardless of whether that weight is fat or muscle, as BMI doesn’t differentiate
between the fat and muscle.
Summary
As fitness professionals, BMI is one of the least valid tests you can use in order to
programme effectively and motivate your clients as there is no specific measure of
changes such as a reduction in size and body fat rather than just a reduction in
weight. BMI is used to show changes in large populations over time – it has very
little use when applied to individuals.
The following chart can be used as an alternative for calculating clients BMI, by
finding their height and following it across until it meets the line of their weight.
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