The four major methods of measuring body fat include the Navy Method, Home Body Fat Scales, Skinfold Calipers and Hydrostatic Weighing. For this article however; we will concentrate on the three most commonly used.
Home Body Fat Scales – This device measures body fat using the Bio metrical Impedance method. A very small electrical current is passed through your body and the resistance is measured. When this result is compared to the weight, the percentage of body fat can then be determined.
There are many factors that can affect the outcome of this test. This is the most error prone of the tests in this article. The electrical currents from the heart and the skeletal muscles can affect the results; as can water in the body. Skin temperature and physical activity can also have a direct impact on the test readings. Exercise should be avoided for at least 12 hours before the test as well as food for 4 hours before.
Probably the most popular method of body fat testing is the Skin Fold Caliper test. This test should be performed by someone trained in this method. You can do it yourself but it is not recommended. If you just have to do it without professional help, I recommend getting a set of Accumeasure calipers. These are quite accurate if you follow the provided directions closely. Your skin is pinched between the calipers and a measurement is taken. After taking measurements from different parts of the body; they are plugged into a formula and your body fat is determined.
Hydrostatic weighing is the most accurate way to measure body fat. If you studied physics in school then you are familiar with the Archimedes Principle. The principle states that an objects density is proportional to the amount of water it displaces when submerged. The tester will submerge the subject in a Hydrostatic weighing tank and measure the displacement. The tester then calculates the subjects body density. Body fat is then determined by a formula based on your body density. This method takes the longest and is probably the most complicated; but it still remains the most accurate.
Why bother with measuring your body fat anyway? After all, it seems like a lot of trouble. Knowledge of the exact amount of fat in your body can help you set realistic goals for your weight loss plans. Body fat is an important element in successful weight control. You will be objective and scientific choosing the program that is the best way for you to lose weight. Keeping track of fat loss is the same as watching your calorie intake or getting on scales and checking your weight. Fat measurement is the only way you can objectively track the success or progress of your weight loss program.
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