As we start settling into full time jobs, many of us start packing on the weight. Being that there is a health fair going on today here at work, I figure I’d write about weight. Many of my friends worry about being overweight, or upset that they can’t get rid of that pudge. However, most of them just go by weight and BMI. I think that they are missing out on an important measurement–body fat.

Let’s use this example: A bodybuilder who’s 5′9″ 240lbs is considered “overweight” if you go by standard BMI charts. But this guy’s all muscle and jacked, but weight and BMI charts don’t reflect this. What would be needed is figuring out how much of you is fat.

Once you get your body fat measured, you can go by this standard body fat percentage chart to see where you are on the scale. For women, anything between 12% and 32% is good. For men, 4% and 25% should be the target range. There are smaller subranges listed in the chart.

So remember, that scale only tells you how much you weigh. That’s it. It’s just a measurement of the gravitational force acting on your body. BMI charts will only tell you how you compare to the average person of your height and frame. However, having too little fat is bad too. Your body needs essential fats to regulate body temperature and cushions organs and tissues. So get a body fat analyzer to keep track of progress, and don’t obsess too much about weight.