Final answer:
Relative Fat Mass (RFM) estimates body fat percentage using mathematical formulas based on height and waist measurements, providing a more accurate assessment of body fat and health risks compared to BMI.
Step-by-step explanation:
Relative Fat Mass (RFM) is a newly published method of estimating the percentage of body fat by using mathematical formulas that incorporate measurements of a person's height and waist circumference. RFM provides a more direct estimate of body fat percentage compared to Body Mass Index (BMI), which estimates body fatness based on weight and height without directly measuring fat mass.
Unlike BMI, RFM can give a better indication of health risks associated with fat distribution, specifically visceral fat accumulation. Visceral fat is known to release hormones and inflammatory factors that contribute to increased disease risk, and measuring this is critical as fat distribution in the body. Not just the amount of fat, affects health outcomes.