While maintaining a healthy weight and body mass index is important, the Bowling Green State University
Recreation Center is advocating another, more accurate health test.
The recreation center offers free body fat testing every week this semester.
The handheld testing device is non-invasive and calculates the user’s body composition by sending
electrical impulses through the body – the faster the electrons travel, the less body fat on the user.

"People get so stuck on the number on the scale," said Karyn Smith, BGSU health educator.
"Health is more than a number."
A body builder can be considered obese when comparing his height to his weight according to a body mass
index. However, body fat testing measures lean muscle mass and gives a more accurate health reading.
Lean body mass is comprised of 40-50 percent muscle, 16-18 percent bone and 26-35 percent organs. All
three are taken into account with the electrical impulses provided by the handheld device.
Smith hopes this way of testing will help students in their quests to get healthier.
"It’s good to be knowledgeable," she said. "I love seeing the changes people make in their
lives. Being in this profession is very rewarding."
The rec center welcomes anyone from athletes to first-timers. The next session is Wednesday at noon.
"Some people are anxious the first time they come in," said BGSU trainer and test administer
Veronica Rasicci. "But they shouldn’t be. Getting the test is a good starting point."
For more information, call Smith at 419-372-2348.