The BMI, fat percentage and total cholesterol of athletes: what is their status?

Abstract

There is a mutual relationship between body mass index (BMI), percentage of fat, and total cholesterol levels in the blood. Maintaining a normal BMI becomes a reference for health maintenance. A higher BMI increases the risk of a higher percentage of fat and cholesterol which contribute to a negative impact on health. This study was conducted to determine whether the BMI, fat levels and total blood cholesterol of sportsmen can be maintained properly. The research involved 323 athletes, ranging from 13 - 46 years with an average of 22 years of age. The participants represented 26 sports fields. The BMI test is done by measuring their weight and height. Fat percentage test was conducted by measuring the total fat of triceps, abdominal, and supra iliac fat, as well as by measuring the width of the upper arm, humeral, and femur. The total cholesterol was determined from the blood sample. All data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS IMB serial 26. Results showed that on average the BMI status was 22.82, meanwhile, the percentage of fat was 18.94 and the total cholesterol was 170.77. There was a high correlation between BMI and the percentage of fat (0.505). However, the correlation between BMI and cholesterol was not significant, and only a low correlation was detected between fat percentage and cholesterol. Keywords: BMI, Fat Percentage, Total Cholesterol, Athlete