How can you have a borderline underweight BMI but an above average body fat percentage?

It is possible to have a borderline underweight BMI but an above average body fat percentage due to several factors:

1. Muscle Mass: Individuals who engage in regular resistance training or have naturally high muscle mass may have a lower body weight compared to their body fat percentage. Muscle weighs more than fat, so a person with a higher muscle mass may have a lower BMI even if their body fat percentage is higher.

2. Body Composition: BMI is a simple calculation that takes into account height and weight, but it doesn't differentiate between muscle mass and body fat. A person with a lower weight but higher body fat percentage may have a less muscular body composition compared to someone with a similar BMI but a lower body fat percentage.

3. Age and Gender: As people age, they tend to lose muscle mass and gain body fat. This shift in body composition can lead to a lower BMI but a higher body fat percentage. Additionally, men typically have a higher muscle mass and lower body fat percentage compared to women, so they may have a borderline underweight BMI but still have an above average body fat percentage.

4. Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as certain genetic disorders, hormonal imbalances, and chronic diseases, can affect body composition and lead to a discrepancy between BMI and body fat percentage.

It's important to note that BMI is just one measure of overall health, and it should be considered in conjunction with other factors such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, waist circumference, and overall lifestyle habits.