1. What is Relative Fat Mass (RFM) Index?

Definition: RFM is a simple body fat measurement that uses only height and waist circumference to estimate body fat percentage.

Purpose: It provides an alternative to BMI that may be more accurate for assessing body fat levels without requiring specialized equipment.

2. How Does the RFM Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( RFM \) — Relative fat mass percentage
• \( H \) — Height in centimeters
• \( W \) — Waist circumference in centimeters

Explanation: The ratio of height to waist circumference is used to estimate body fat percentage, with lower ratios indicating higher body fat.

3. Importance of RFM Measurement

Details: RFM correlates well with DXA scan results and may be more accurate than BMI for assessing obesity-related health risks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your height and waist circumference accurately. For waist measurement, measure at the narrowest point between ribs and hips after exhaling normally.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does RFM compare to BMI?
A: RFM considers waist size rather than weight, potentially providing a more direct measure of body fat.

Q2: What's a healthy RFM range?
A: For men: 2-24% (healthy), 25-29% (overweight), 30%+ (obese). For women: 10-30% (healthy), 31-36% (overweight), 37%+ (obese).

Q3: Why use RFM instead of body fat calipers?
A: RFM requires only simple measurements and no special tools, while providing reasonable accuracy.

Q4: Does RFM work for all body types?
A: RFM is generally accurate but may be less reliable for extremely muscular individuals or those with unusual fat distribution.

Q5: How often should I measure my RFM?
A: For tracking changes, measure every 2-4 weeks under consistent conditions (time of day, hydration level).