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VIII. ABOUT RESULTS
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a commonly used index by the World Health Organization (WHO), utilizing height and
weight to classify underweight, normal, over, and obesity in adults. The definition of "normal
range" differs according to gender, age, and ethnicity, as different populations may have different
associations between BMI and health risks. Notably, the proportion of Asian populations with risk
factors for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease is substantial even below the WHO
international BMI cut-off point of 24.9
10
. Accordingly, there are multiple BMI normal range settings
available on the MA601 (WHO: 18.5-24.9, Asia: 18-23, Taiwan: 18-24, China: 18-23.9) that can
be selected in the System Settings.
NOTE: BMI is calculated purely based on height and weight, and does not distinguish between
muscle and fat. As such, it can be potentially misleading, particularly for individuals with
higher levels of muscle mass.
Visceral Fat Level
Visceral obesity can occur even if a subject's weight or BMI is within standards. Such subjects are
thin on the outside, but fat on the inside. Visceral fat level is used as an indicator for risk of
obesity-related disease, and a level under 10 (low risk) is recommended.
10. Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations and its implications for policy and intervention strategies.
The Lancet, Public Health, Vol. 363, Issue 9403, p.157-163, 2004.
Percent Body Fat
Body fat percentage is useful in determining the specific cause of weight loss or gain. Average
percentages differ according to specified groups and categories, most significantly by gender.
Although no universally accepted published ranges or cut-off points for body fat percentage
currently exist, it is still an important value in assessing change in body composition and health.
The MA601 provides different body fat standards for males and females, divided into ranges
commonly seen in underfat, athlete, normal, overfat, and obese populations.
Percent Body Fat
PBF
Obesity Analysis
(%)
Male
Female
Underfat
Athlete
Normal
Overfat
Obese
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
23.9
10.0
14.2
18.5
21.2
24.0
29.9
42.4
55.0
18.9
Body Mass Index
BM I
(kg/m
2
)
Under
Over
Normal
Obese
0
10
15
30
2
Visceral Fat Level
VFA
(Rating)
Low
Medium
High
(Risk)
