BMI vs Body Fat – What Matters Most?
Published April 2, 2025 • CalcFat Blog
While BMI is one of the most widely used indicators of body weight status, it’s not the whole story. Body fat percentage can sometimes give a more accurate picture of health.
What is BMI?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a number calculated from your height and weight. It categorizes you as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese based on statistical ranges.
What is Body Fat Percentage?
Body fat percentage refers to how much of your body is made up of fat compared to muscles, bones, water, and organs. It can be measured using tools like skinfold calipers, DEXA scans, or smart scales.
Which is More Accurate?
Body fat percentage is generally more precise when it comes to health risk assessment—especially for athletes or muscular individuals. BMI may incorrectly classify these people as overweight or obese.
When Should You Use BMI?
BMI is quick, easy, and widely accepted. It's useful for broad health screenings, public health data, and tracking trends over time.
When Should You Use Body Fat %?
Use body fat percentage when you want to personalize your health insights—especially if you’re very fit or want to target fat loss instead of just weight loss.
The best approach? Use both. BMI offers a general view, while body fat percentage fills in the details.