Determining body fat percentage from BMI is a critical step in assessing overall health and fitness. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of weight in relation to height, often used to determine if an individual is underweight, overweight, or within a healthy range.
However, BMI alone does not differentiate between muscle and fat mass, which can lead to inaccuracies. Body fat percentage provides a more precise indication of overall body composition and health risks. Historically, underwater weighing and skinfold calipers were the primary methods for measuring body fat, but technological advancements have introduced more accessible and accurate techniques, such as bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.