So exactly how do you know if you are too fat? Looking in the mirror may be the fastest and easiest way to see if you are too fat by everyday standards, however, you will have to use other scientific methods in order to ensure you get accurate results.

Women in particular tend to perceive themselves as fatter than they actually are, so using an accurate measuring system is extremely important not only to determine if you are actually too fat, but also so that you can work towards a definite goal.

Ways to Determine if you are too Fat

There are a number of different ways that you can determine if you are too fat.  Each method has certain disadvantages and drawbacks, but all work to a certain extent.

Those methods are:

• Weight charts – Weighing yourself on a standard scale and comparing it to a standard weight chart is easy, however, it has several drawbacks.  The heights and weights that are on these charts are based on average weights of a sample of the population.  Since they are only average weights taken from average people, they are not ideal body weights and will give you no indication of health risk.

• Mirror – Looking at yourself in the mirror is not the best way to determine if you are too fat, since you have nothing to compare it to.

• Body fat calipers – Using body fat calipers to determine if you are overweight is a relatively reliable method.  The main downside to this method is that taking your own fat measurements with a caliper is next to impossible, and if an expert does not take the measurement the results will not be accurate.

• Ask your doctor - Your doctor will be able to tell you if you appear to be too fat or not.  Has your doctor ever advised you to lose weight or exercise more?  If you think you may be too fat, the doctor is probably the first person to consult.

• Asking Family & Friends – Talking to those you trust is another way to do a reality check.  ask them whether they think you look too fat.  Listen to their answer, but at the same time consider the source!

• Body Mass Index – Perhaps the easiest way to determine if you are too fat while get a picture of your general health risk as the same time is to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).  Your BMI is a calculation that takes both your height and weight into account, and will give the average person a general idea as to where they stand both in terms of health risks and body weight.

In conclusion, don’t just use one single method to determine if you are too fat or not.  I suggest that you use a combination of the above methods in order to get an accurate overall picture.

Do you think you are currently too fat?  What methods do you find are the best to help you determine if you are overweight?