Body fat % Vs BMI

[Fressia123]

I just got a new salter scale that measures body fat... It says it's 17.9% but my BMI is 26.

However, I'm more athletic than not (run 6 times a week and cross train).

Anywho, can anybody recommend a more accurate set of scales? I can conclude I'm healthy but considering I'm always heavier than I look, I wouldn't like some extra reassurance.

Waist measurement is much more indicative of whether you’re a healthy weight than BMI, especially if you’re athletic. At home scales are never particularly accurate for body fat measurement either.

The body fat calipers are meant to be more accurate. If it's 17.9% to a BMI of 26 then I'd expect you to be lean with very good muscle tone

I don't think I'm that lean. Sure I'm definitely not overweight, but there's a massive spectrum between ideal weight and lean.

What's the actual problem here, your BMI? Have you tried calculating that yourself?

Well my BMI is accurate (I weight that weight that's not in question) - but my body fat is definitely lower than for someone with my BMI, the exact % I wouldn't know, but I'm definitely not overweight.

If you are female, that's a low body fat, so would be expected if you're fit and muscular, which would make you heavy but lean, especially if you have a large frame.

www.calculator.net/body-fat-calculator.html#:~:text=The%20healthy%20range%20of%20body,women%20is%2021%2D33%25.

Are you saying you think the 17.9 is too high or too low, compared with what you actually are?

I think 17.9% is definitely too low, I would expect to be around 25-23%

@Fressia123

Well my BMI is accurate (I weight that weight that's not in question) - but my body fat is definitely lower than for someone with my BMI, the exact % I wouldn't know, but I'm definitely not overweight.

I don't think you understand how BMI works.

I don’t think the body fat calculators on scales are particularly accurate.

I know how how it works..m and o know that for some cases it isn't the best tool. That's m Lee

If you knew how BMI worked you wouldn't be saying that your body fat percentage doesn't match your BMI.

What are your actual measurements, OP, height, bust, waist, hips?

In metric system I'm 159, 84/67/88 - 66kg

33-26-34, 5'2"

That is very hourglass. Dunno where your 66 kg went, do you have magnificent thighs or what?

I have a very big butt, I'm a latina after all

I also have a wide back but smallish boobs.

Could find any of my bum .

Just wanted to add my size 6 shorts fit again yay!

I think you’re the exception that proves the rule. You are very muscular so your BMI looks high but your health is good. You’re also young so lower body fat than older people. I’m BMI 25 and body fat 32 % but I’m in my forties...

I’m also a size 12 not 6!

And I don't even think I'm that muscular... But after looking at myself today I definitely won't worry about BMI anymore.

I'm really surprised your BMI is coming up that high, I would say our figures look very similar, I've always had quite shapely legs even at my thinnest, my BMI is 21. You like great and healthy whatever the scales say.

Ive always been heavy for the way I look. What does surprise is that my abs are visible at this weight. Maybe I'm just lucky I don't know.

Your body fat and bmi sound about right. Mine is 23% and just over 27. Waist 32 inches. Bmi is inaccurate for anyone with a bit of muscle, at best just a guide.
When I was competing years ago I had some Tantita body fat scales which were the best available, but as pp says not 100% accurate.