Lean Mass Index (LMI): Males, Age 70-74
Lean Mass Index (LMI) is total lean mass divided by height squared (kg/m²). It normalises lean mass for body size the same way BMI normalises body weight, allowing fair comparison across people of different heights. Data are from Kelly et al. 2009, a cross-sectional analysis of DXA body composition scans from 15,258 US adults in NHANES 1999 to 2004. Percentiles were derived using LMS curve fitting applied to the White (non-Hispanic) reference population. Kelly et al. also provide curves for Black and Mexican American adults; values differ, with Black adults showing higher lean mass at equivalent ages. These norms are most applicable to White Western adults and may not represent other ethnic groups.
Data source: Kelly et al. (NHANES DXA) About this study
Percentile Distribution (kg/m²)
| Percentile | Value (kg/m²) | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | 16.02 | Poor |
| 25th | 17.9 | Below average |
| 50th | 19.36 | Average |
| 75th | 20.95 | Above average |
| 95th | 23.52 | Excellent |
What these numbers mean for males aged 70-74
A score around 19.36 kg/m² is typical (50th percentile) for males in this age group. Scores above about 20.95 kg/m² fall near the 75th percentile or higher, indicating above-average performance. Scores below about 17.9 kg/m² fall near the 25th percentile, about 75% of the reference population scored higher.
Percentiles show how common a value is, not whether it is healthy.