When it comes to measuring body fat, there are several methods available but most of them have some limitations. While BMI (Body Mass Index) is widely used, it only takes into account height and weight which means it is not always accurate.

On the other hand, DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is an expensive and invasive method that is not always available. This is where RFM comes in, as a revolutionary body fat measurement index that is gaining popularity due to its simplicity and accuracy.

In this article, we will explore what RFM is, how it works, and why it may be a better alternative to other body fat measurement methods.

What Is RFM?

RFM stands for Relative Fat Mass, and it is a body fat measurement index that takes into account both height and waist circumference.

It was developed by researchers at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, who wanted to find a simple and accurate way to measure body fat that could be used by anyone regardless of resources or expertise.

How Does RFM Work?

RFM is based on the fact that body fat is generally distributed in the abdominal area. Therefore, the bigger the waist circumference is in relation to height, the higher the body fat percentage is likely to be.

RFM takes into account the fact that different people have different heights, so it is not enough to simply measure waist circumference.

The formula for RFM is:.

RFM = 64 – (20 x height / waist circumference) for men,.

RFM = 76 – (20 x height / waist circumference) for women.

For example, let’s say a man is 6 feet tall (72 inches) with a waist circumference of 36 inches. His RFM would be:.

RFM = 64 – (20 x 72 / 36) = 44.

This means his relative fat mass is 44% of his total body weight, which is considered to be a healthy range. An RFM of 50% or more is considered to be high and may indicate a potential health risk.

Why Is RFM Better Than Other Methods?

RFM has several advantages over other body fat measurement methods:.

It is simple: All you need is a tape measure and your height to calculate your RFM. There is no need for expensive equipment or specialized training.
It is accurate: RFM takes into account both height and waist circumference, which are two important factors in determining body fat percentage. Studies have shown that RFM is at least as accurate as other methods such as BMI and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).
It is gender-specific: RFM has different formulas for men and women, which take into account the fact that women tend to have a higher body fat percentage than men.
It is reliable: RFM has been validated against DEXA, which is considered to be the gold standard in body fat measurement. Studies have shown that RFM is a reliable tool for assessing body fat percentage in both men and women.
It is predictive: RFM has been shown to be a better predictor of health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mortality than BMI. This means that RFM can be used as a screening tool for potential health risks.

How Can You Calculate Your RFM?

To calculate your RFM, follow these steps:.

Measure your height in inches
Measure your waist circumference in inches at the level of your belly button
Plug in the numbers in the RFM formula for your gender

For example, if you are a woman who is 5’6″ tall with a waist circumference of 28 inches, your RFM would be:.

RFM = 76 – (20 x 66 / 28) = 44.

This means your relative fat mass is 44% of your total body weight, which is considered to be a healthy range.

What Can You Do With Your RFM?

Once you have calculated your RFM, you can use it to assess your body fat percentage and potential health risks.

If your RFM is higher than 50%, you may want to consider making lifestyle changes such as improving your diet and increasing your physical activity to lower your body fat percentage and reduce your risk of health problems.

You can also use your RFM to track your progress over time, as changes in your RFM can indicate changes in your body fat percentage. Additionally, you can compare your RFM to others in your age and gender group to see how you measure up.

Conclusion

RFM is a revolutionary body fat measurement index that is simple, accurate, and reliable. It takes into account both height and waist circumference, which are two important factors in determining body fat percentage.

RFM has been shown to be a better predictor of health outcomes than BMI and other methods, making it a valuable tool for assessing potential health risks. By calculating your RFM and using it to track your progress, you can take charge of your health and make informed decisions about your lifestyle.