Lean Mass Index (LMI): Males, Age 85+
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 | 15.22 | Poor |
| 25th | 16.9 | Below average |
| 50th | 18.16 | Average |
| 75th | 19.49 | Above average |
| 95th | 21.56 | Excellent |
What these numbers mean for males aged 85+
A score around 18.16 kg/m² is typical (50th percentile) for males in this age group. Scores above about 19.49 kg/m² fall near the 75th percentile or higher, indicating above-average performance. Scores below about 16.9 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.