Santé proudly co-sponsors Team Continu, the elite skating team led by Olympic champion Marianne Timmer. As a three-time gold medalist with deep expertise in peak athletic performance, Marianne shares proven insights on spotting overweight signs.
Marianne Timmer: "Body fat percentage is the true measure of overweight status. Here are reliable ways to check it."
The Quetelet Index (Body Mass Index or BMI) offers a quick guide. Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. Aim for 20-25. Scores of 25-30 signal overweight; above 30 often means obesity. But BMI has limits—a bodybuilder's muscle can exceed 30 without fat excess.
Gyms and slimming centers use specialized fat meters for precise body fat readings. Many home scales now do this too. Measure consistently under the same conditions; skip it after alcohol or coffee for reliability. Target 15-25% body fat.
Waist circumference provides another clear indicator. Measure at the lower ribs, not the navel. Keep it under 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women.
Missed earlier tips? Explore all of Marianne Timmer's expert advice.
