Testing body fat

LinCO · 05-30-2009, 02:28 PM

I just wanted to see what youall think about the new methods that are available.

For years, I didn't step on the scale, I only measured my hips. For bodyfat measurement, I've tried hydrostatic weighing, skinfold calipers and the light beam thru the bicep deal.

These days, I have one of the home bodyfat scales, that measure thru your feet. I also use the gym's bodyfat scale, where you grip with your hands.

I notice the home one is affected by whether I've been pumicing my feet.

Anyway, what do youall think?

ChrisNTX · 05-30-2009, 04:17 PM

For something quick and easy I would recommend the skin caliper. Not so much for the "accuracy" of bodyfat %, but actual skinfold measurements. If those measurements are going down over a period of time then you're doing fine. If you want a really accurate bodyfat %, then I would recommend trying to get a DEXA scan.

inatic · 06-02-2009, 11:40 AM

skin calipers like Chris said can be wayyyyyy off.. but if you use them over time, to watch numbers change, it can be a good method.

I'd make sure you have it done by the same person, under the same conditions, ea time.

I used caliper and have had DEXA done.

JosieNutter · 07-02-2009, 11:19 AM

I use a Tania bodyfat scale at the same time every Sunday morning, trying to keep hydration the same as the previous week(s). It's not super accurate, but it helps me at least see progress. I take measurements around my fat bearing areas, too.

If I had the $, I'd get DEXA scanned more often. Had one with my last physical and it is very accurate. The physical printout is almost discouraging - you can see exactly how much muscle and fat you have on your bones. I didn't realize quite how "padded" my hips were until I saw that thing. :/

GirlyMuscle · 07-16-2009, 05:55 AM

I don't think the Tanita scales or any of those things are accurate.

The most accurate way to test bodyfat is through a DEXA. DEXA is the test doctors use to test bone density. It can also do bodyfat. It is +/- 1% accuracy. They can be hard to find. Ask your doctor about it. I get mine done at a gynocologist office. Some universities have them as well.

Next is a underwater submersion or a dunk tank. I believe the accuracy is +/-2%. Sports centers and universities will have them.

Next is the BodPod. It's an egg shaped capsule you sit in and it uses air displacement. Acuuracy about the same as a dunk tank. Go to Life Measurement, Inc. BOD POD to find one near you.

Next..calipers. Here the accuracy changes according to the person using them. If you choose to use this method make sure you use the same person every time and make sure they are good at it.

Last is the Omron or Tanita scales. I lost 40 pounds and the damn thing always said I was 32-28 %. There's too much variation depending on hydration and even muscle mass.

hope that helped a little.

05-30-2009, 02:28 PM	#1
LinCO Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 330 Gallery: LinCO Stats: 168 25%/149.6/147--5'9" WOE: SB Start Date: Sept 2008	Testing body fat I just wanted to see what youall think about the new methods that are available. For years, I didn't step on the scale, I only measured my hips. For bodyfat measurement, I've tried hydrostatic weighing, skinfold calipers and the light beam thru the bicep deal. These days, I have one of the home bodyfat scales, that measure thru your feet. I also use the gym's bodyfat scale, where you grip with your hands. I notice the home one is affected by whether I've been pumicing my feet. Anyway, what do youall think?

07-02-2009, 11:19 AM	#4
JosieNutter Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1 Gallery: JosieNutter Stats: 160/130/20%BF (goal weight N/A) WOE: TKD Start Date: July 2009	I use a Tania bodyfat scale at the same time every Sunday morning, trying to keep hydration the same as the previous week(s). It's not super accurate, but it helps me at least see progress. I take measurements around my fat bearing areas, too. If I had the $, I'd get DEXA scanned more often. Had one with my last physical and it is very accurate. The physical printout is almost discouraging - you can see exactly how much muscle and fat you have on your bones. I didn't realize quite how "padded" my hips were until I saw that thing. :/ __________________ J

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05-30-2009, 04:17 PM	#2
ChrisNTX Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 178 Gallery: ChrisNTX	For something quick and easy I would recommend the skin caliper. Not so much for the "accuracy" of bodyfat %, but actual skinfold measurements. If those measurements are going down over a period of time then you're doing fine. If you want a really accurate bodyfat %, then I would recommend trying to get a DEXA scan.

06-02-2009, 11:40 AM	#3
inatic Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alpharetta,Ga. Posts: 13,796 Gallery: inatic Stats: 182/135 5'4 47!yo 16/4 5 kidlets later! WOE: Coach Supervised Start Date: LowER C since 2/02 wt training 10/15/02	skin calipers like Chris said can be wayyyyyy off.. but if you use them over time, to watch numbers change, it can be a good method. I'd make sure you have it done by the same person, under the same conditions, ea time. I used caliper and have had DEXA done.

07-16-2009, 05:55 AM	#5
GirlyMuscle Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: In a Realm of all Possibilities Posts: 35 Gallery: GirlyMuscle Stats: 200/150 maintanence weight/135competition weight WOE: ketogenic diet	I don't think the Tanita scales or any of those things are accurate. The most accurate way to test bodyfat is through a DEXA. DEXA is the test doctors use to test bone density. It can also do bodyfat. It is +/- 1% accuracy. They can be hard to find. Ask your doctor about it. I get mine done at a gynocologist office. Some universities have them as well. Next is a underwater submersion or a dunk tank. I believe the accuracy is +/-2%. Sports centers and universities will have them. Next is the BodPod. It's an egg shaped capsule you sit in and it uses air displacement. Acuuracy about the same as a dunk tank. Go to Life Measurement, Inc. BOD POD to find one near you. Next..calipers. Here the accuracy changes according to the person using them. If you choose to use this method make sure you use the same person every time and make sure they are good at it. Last is the Omron or Tanita scales. I lost 40 pounds and the damn thing always said I was 32-28 %. There's too much variation depending on hydration and even muscle mass. hope that helped a little.