Weight can fluctuate throughout the day depending on the foods you eat, your activity level and other factors. Using just your bathroom scale to monitor body weight can be slightly deceiving because of these changes in weight. While weighing yourself on a scale can provide a good estimate of your total weight, the use of a body measure tape can provide more exact results.

A body measure tape can be used on nearly any part of the body but are most effective on the waist and hips. To determine your waist circumference using a body measure tape, strand straight and relaxed in front of a full length mirror. Wrap the tape around your waist and in front of your belly button. Determine the circumference of your hips by wrapping the tape around the largest part. Men with a waist measurement of more than 40-inches and women of more than 35-inches may be at risk for obesity-related diseases, as this circumference can indicate excess weight.

People use body measure tape when trying to lose weight or when taking measurements to find the best fit in clothes. This tool works best when it comes to measuring the body as it conforms to your curves. Tapes are also used when monitoring progress of muscle building. They will tell you which muscle groups are responding and which may need to be addressed in a different way.

Using a body measure tape to check your risk of acquiring obesity-related diseases is typically more effective than body mass index (BMI). This is especially true among certain populations, such as the elderly with less muscle mass and some ethnic groups that are genetically susceptible to storing excess amounts of abdominal fat, including Mexican Americans, non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and individuals of Asian descent.

Girth measurements will provide you with valuable information needed to access the progress of your weight-loss or weight monitoring routine. While a certain amount of body fat is required to insulate the body and store important nutrients, too much body fat can lead to emotional issues and serious health conditions. Individuals with a high percentage of body fat are at risk for heart disease and other major medical issues. Using a body measure tape can you calculate body fat and create and maintain wellness.

At HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com, we carry a variety of body measure tapes to help you accurately calculate your body fat as well as muscle growth.