How is Fat Free Mass Index (FFMI) Calculated?
The Fat Free Mass Index is calculated using the formula given below:
FFMI = (Lean Mass / 2.2) / ((Height in feet * 12.0) * 0.0254)2
This formula utilizes two components. The first component is lean mass divided by 2.2. The second component is arrived at by squaring the multiplication result of height in feet with 12 and with 0.0254. Thus, FFMI is estimated by dividing the first component by the second component.
The question now arises to know the lean mass. The Lean Mass can be calculated using the following formula:
Lean Mass = Weight in kilograms * (1.0 - (Body fat% / 100.0))
The body fat percentage is divided by 100 and the result is subtracted from 1. This result is now multiplied by weight in kilograms to give you the Lean Mass.
The Adjusted FFMI is calculated using the formula given below:
Adjusted FFMI = FFMI + (6.1 * (((Height in feet * 12.0) * 0.0254) - 1.8))
The height in feet is multiplied by 12 and then that is multiplied by 0.0254 and then 1.8 is subtracted from the above result. This is now multiplied by 6.1. This answer is finally added to the FFMI to give you the Adjusted FFMI.
FFMI Scores and their Norms of Interpretation:
- A person is said to be in the Below Average Norms of Muscle Mass Interpretation when his FFMI in pounds falls below 17 .
- A person is said to be in the Average Norms of Muscle Mass Interpretation when his FFMI in pounds is between 18 and 19 .
- A person is said to be in the Above Average Norms of Muscle Mass Interpretation when his FFMI in pounds falls in between 20 and 21 .
- A person is said to be in the Excellent Norms of Muscle Mass Interpretation when his FFMI in pounds is 22 .
- A person is said to be in the Superior Norms of Muscle Mass Interpretation when his FFMI in pounds falls between 23 and 25 .
- When a person's FFMI falls between 26 and 27 , his scores are deemed suspicious; however, they are still attainable naturally.
- When a person's FFMI falls between 28 and 30 , his scores are considered highly unlikely to be obtained naturally without the use of steroids.
- When a person's FFMI is above 30 , he is not a natural bodybuilder. The usage of steroids become ubiquitous here.