It's no secret that excess fat poses a health risk; carry too much extra weight, and you'll face a higher risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease and even certain types of cancer. With their body measurements, women can use one of a few methods to determine if they're at a higher risk for disease.

While your waist measurement and weight can help you estimate whether you're at a healthy size -- and whether or not you're at a higher risk of weight-related illness -- they aren't the best way to figure out your body fat levels. To get an accurate measurement of your body fat, you'll have to consult a professional.

Whether you're trying to build muscle or lose weight, you may be adding more protein to your diet. While protein offers a number of benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, excess calories from protein are converted to body fat.

As of 2009, more than 10 million American adults were morbidly obese, according to an article published in "Archives of Surgery." A morbidly obese person has a body mass index of 40 or more, while a super morbidly obese individual's BMI is 50 or more.

Measurements of your body composition, or body fat levels, give you a more complete picture of your body's healthy weight than using a scale alone.

There is no ideal weight for men, but there is a recommended range for men based on height, known as the body mass index. BMI isn't perfect however, and it may benefit you to have your body fat percentage tested. The ideal body fat percentage for men changes as they age.

Body mass index -- BMI -- is a measurement used by doctors to classify a patient as underweight, overweight or right on target. Body frame size is not used when calculating BMI; instead, you can figure out your BMI using your height and weight.

The body mass index, or BMI, is a commonly used indicator of weight status. BMI measurements of between 18.5 and 24.9 show normal weight while a BMI over 25 indicates your being overweight. When the BMI value exceeds 30, your weight status is considered clinically obese.

Your body stores excess calories as body fat. Some of this fat, known as essential fat, is required for good health -- it helps with vitamin absorption, temperature regulation and, in women, childbearing. But too much body fat can pose a health risk.

Calipers calculate body fat by pulling fat away from muscle. This creates skinfolds. The calipers measure the folds’ lengths at different sites. When using the Jackson-Pollock method — the most accurate — the tester checks three sites. These depend on gender, and they are always taken on the body's right side.

New mothers take note of every little change in their babies. They cherish each new stage of development. But it's more than just a mother's love. Moms know that monitoring changes is vital to the baby's health.

Excess fat in your body falls into one of two categories -- subcutaneous "soft fat" which lies right under your skin, and visceral "hard fat," located deep in your abdomen.