Development of the Health Index (HI) Statistical Equation as an Alternative Clinical Parameter to the Body Mass Index in the Prediction of Body Fat Percentage

Metabolic syndrome is increasing in prevalence in the United States. Body Mass Index is a formula most commonly used to assess body fat percentage. However, the formula contains significant limitations and inefficiencies. As a result, the Health Index equation was developed as an alternative to the BMI. Data from 79 healthy individuals, as defined by the absence of metabolic syndrome risk factors, was collected and a relationship was established between their BMI and body fat percentage. The results showed the BMI produced a poor correlation with the body fat percentage while the Health Index metric produced a stronger correlation to actual body fat percentage.