Ditch the scale

BMI, Body Mass Index

By pH health care professionals

You are unique. That’s why one-size-fits-all doesn’t really work when it comes to your health. So why are you still using a scale?

Two people may weigh exactly 150 lbs. but have drastically different body shapes, builds and sizes, with very different ratios of muscle and fat. Their fitness goals and the way those goals are reached are going to be totally unique.

Ditch the scale

Your weight in pounds just doesn’t tell you enough. Looking at how much muscle, fat and water is in those pounds tells you much more about your health. This at least provides a launching pad for further investigation. For example, if someone has a very healthy weight but has 40 percent body fat and low muscle mass, it’s not the weight that needs to change – it’s the body composition.

That person may need to reduce fat and build muscle, and do so in a way that fits their lifestyle and interests, while accounting for factors like age, gender, activity level and underlying health roadblocks (such as low B vitamin levels from years of birth control, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues/sensitivities, low vitamin D due to an indoor lifestyle, a magnesium deficiency from stress, etc.).

With the right body composition data, you can also determine where you’re carrying muscle and fat. And not all fat is created equal. Research has shown that visceral fat (abdomen and around the organs) tends to be more dangerous for your health than subcutaneous fat (under the skin). Studies have shown that increased visceral fat may increase your risk for hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and many other diseases.

Test, don’t guess!

Don’t judge a book by its cover and assume a thin person is a healthy person, or a larger person is an unhealthy person. Scales and BMI tests just don’t cut it. With a quick body composition test, you can be proactive and start your unique health journey. And don’t worry; our team of health care professionals can help you every step of the way. Come visit your pH health center in Santa Monica or Sherman Oaks before 2015 ends for a special body composition assessment rate of just $9.99 (reg. $40).

Enjoy Your Healthy Life!
