BMI or Body Fat Scale?

I don't really trust BMI. Convenient, I know, since mine is always high -- I'm tall, I'm big-boned (no, really, I am), and I have more muscle than most women, so even at my absolute fittest, I weigh more than I should by BMI standards. I'm far more interested in how much body fat I have, and I know I'm not the only one. But, like many of you, I don't want to go to my local health club and be poked and prodded so someone can determine my body fat percentage. Fortunately, that's not necessary.

LongLifeClub reviewed the Tanita Body Fat Scale, which sounds like a great gadget to have around the house. Body fat scales measure the amount of fat in your body by sending an electrical current through your body (you don't even feel it, but it's not for use by those with any type of surgically-implanted medical device, like a pacemaker). It takes into account your height, weight, age and gender as well.

The one reviewed was just $79.95, but you can spend up to almost $300 on a Tanita scale if you opt for the Tanita Ironman Segmental and Full Body Composition Monitor. But, once you get the scale, how do you know what your body fat percentage should be?

According to the America Dietetic Association, most men should have a body fat percentage of about 15 to 18 percent, while women should be a bit higher, at 20 to 25 percent. Serious athletes may have significantly lower measurements, with men getting as low as five to 12 percent and women measuring 10 to 20 percent.

If you don't want to invest in a body fat scale of your own (and in these penny-pinching days, who can blame you?), check with your gym or health club to see what services they offer, or check with your doctor.