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About the Health Assessments
Definitions:
Below are some definitions to assist you in understanding the results of your health assessment. Use the health assessment as a guide, it should not replace advice given from your doctor or health professional. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your health provider.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a ratio between your weight and height. It is a formula that estimates body-fat and is a guide to determining if you are within a healthy body weight. Please note that BMI is not a suitable estimate for individuals who perform regular resistance/weight training or those with large amounts of muscle mass, and is recommended only for adults over the age of 18.
| BMI Result | Interpretation |
| < 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25.0 - 29.9 | Overweight |
| > 30.0 | Obese |
Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR)
Where your body tends to put on fat is as important as how much fat you have. If you store fat around your hips and buttocks (more typically women) your figure has a “pear” shape. If you build up fat around your belly (more often men), you're more of an “apple” shape.
Your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) can tell you whether you are more of a “pear” or “apple” shape. To determine your ratio;
- Measure your waist at the narrowest point and your hips at the widest point.
- Be sure to do both measurements using a non-elastic tape measure.
- Enter your circumferences in your health assessment.
People with “apple” shapes (WHR of more than 0.85 for women and more than 1.0 for men) have a higher health risk than “pear” shapes. In other words if you carry more weight around the middle of your body then this puts you under additional health risk from heart disease and diabetes.
If you fall into this category start thinking about better managing your weight by changing your eating and activity habits.
| Male | Female | Health Risk Based on WHR |
| < 0.95 | < 0.80 | Low Risk |
| 0.96 - 1.0 | 0.81 - 0.85 | Moderate Risk |
| 1.0 + | 0.85 + | High Risk |
*Remember, your WHR calculated above is only one of many of the risk factors that influences your risk of heart disease.
Resting Heart Rate (RHR)
One tool for following the progress in your fitness is your resting heart rate. As you become stronger and more active your resting heart rate will decrease. A strong heart can pump more blood with one beat, so it doesn't have to beat as often.
Resting heart rate can be measured with a heart rate monitor or by palpating an artery. When measuring by palpation, find your pulse at the base of your thumb at your wrist, or at your neck just to the side of your windpipe. Use your index and middle fingers to measure your pulse, and count the beats in 15 seconds. Count the first beat you feel as zero. Multiply the number of beats you felt in 15 seconds by 4 to arrive at your heart rate per minute.
*Your RHR is best taken when you first wake up in the morning.
**Please discuss with your doctor if you are on blood pressure or heart medication or if you have any pre-existing conditions that may affect your RHR.
