Measuring Your Body’s Fat Content
July 20th, 2010 | Published in Diet Tips & Articles
There are four different ways to measure the levels of fat in your body. The four methods include, scales to measure body fat at home, callipers to measure skin folds, hydrostatic weighing, and the Navy method. This article will discuss the first three, which are the most common methods for measuring body fat.
Scales to Measure Body Fat at Home
This scale attempts to measure the body’s fat content using Biometrical Impedance. This method sends a small, harmless electrical current through the body, and measures the opposing current. By measuring the current inputs and outputs and comparing this to the individual’s weight, it is possible to estimate the level of body fat.
There is a larger margin of error with this method, due to interference with measuring the electric currents. The scale will pick up currents that are not sent through the body fat. This test is most accurate when you have not eaten for at least four hours, or exercised within at least 12 hours. This method does have the advantage of convenience because it is easy to hop on a scale at home to get your level of body fat.
Callipers to Measure Skin Folds
Callipers are a very cheap, yet effective way of measuring the levels of fat in the body. It is a little tricky to learn how to properly measure skin folds using callipers, which is required for accurate results. You have to either learn how to use callipers, or better yet, have a professional complete the measurements. If you can’t see a professional, purchase a pair of Accumeasure callipers complete the measurements according to the included instructions.
Hydrostatic Weighing
This method involves measuring fat levels while under water. This is the most difficult method, but it carries with it the highest level of accuracy. This works great if you have access to a hydrostatic tank to weigh yourself and measure your fat levels.
Hydrostatic weighing works off of the basis of the Archimedes Principle, which is an essential principle from your high school physics class. Don’t worry, if you do not remember what this principle is, I will tell you. The process of hydrostatic weighing works by calculating the density of your body by calculating the volume of water dispersed when you are submerged in water.
The Archimedes Principle holds that the volume of liquid displaced when an object is immersed in the liquid will be proportional to the weight of the object. You are the object mentioned in the Archimedes Principle. Using a formula derived based on this principle, the examiner will calculate your body fat using the data taken about the density of your body. The most difficult part of measuring your fat using this method is locating a place with a hydrostatic tank, but this is still the most accurate.
What is the point of measuring body fat?
Knowing how high your fat levels are a key part of creating a proper weight loss plan. It is one good measurement of assessing your overall body health. It is possible to be at a normal weight for your body but still have a body fat level that is above average, which is why it is important to take into account multiple ways of measuring your health. Knowing your level of body fat will help you decide on a nutrition plan to maximize your weight loss goals.
Measuring your fat levels provides an effective way of keeping your weight loss goals on track.
