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Estimate your body fat percentage using hip circumference and height
Measure around the widest part of your hips
The Body Adiposity Index (BAI) was developed as an alternative to BMI that directly estimates body fat percentage. It uses hip circumference and height to calculate adiposity without requiring weight measurements.
BAI = (Hip Circumference in cm / Height in m^1.5) - 18
Stand with feet together and measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks. Keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor and snug but not compressing the skin. Take the measurement while breathing normally.
BAI has the advantage of directly estimating body fat percentage, while BMI only indicates weight relative to height. However, neither is as accurate as direct measurement methods like DEXA scans. BAI can be useful as one tool among several for assessing body composition.
Women naturally have higher body fat percentages than men due to biological differences related to reproduction and hormone levels. The different ranges reflect these natural physiological differences in healthy body composition.
Athletes, especially those who have developed significant hip and glute muscles, may find BAI overestimates their body fat. For athletes, methods like skinfold measurements or DEXA scans may provide more accurate results.
For tracking purposes, measuring BAI monthly is reasonable. More frequent measurements may show normal fluctuations rather than true changes in body composition. Always measure under similar conditions (same time of day, hydration status, etc.).
For men, a healthy BAI is typically 8-20%, while for women it's 21-33%. These ranges reflect healthy body fat percentages that support normal physiological function without increasing health risks.
While the basic BAI formula doesn't account for age, body fat distribution and healthy ranges can change with age. Older adults may naturally have slightly higher body fat percentages while remaining healthy. Consider age when interpreting results.
BAI is not recommended during pregnancy as body composition changes significantly. The formula was not designed for pregnant women and will not provide accurate or useful results during this time.
This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. BAI is one of many tools for assessing body composition and should not be used as the sole indicator of health status. Results may not be accurate for all individuals, particularly athletes, pregnant women, or those with certain medical conditions. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plans.