Body Fat Percentage Calculation

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I'm sending these questions out into the vast repository of MFP experts: What are some ways that I can calculate my body fat percentage? And how is it done?

Should I buy calipers? Should I get one of those fancy scales? Should I only trust a healthcare professional? Should I make it up?

I remember having it tested when I took a weight training class in college (many, MANY years ago) but I don't remember where to pinch.

Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?

rolemodel69

The caliper is one the cheapest and most accurate method. The ''fancy'' scale will not give you anything precise. Once your have your caliper, you can use the Jackson-Pollock 3 site method and put your results on this online calculator.

http://www.linear-software.com/online.html

autopilot_on

The caliper is one the cheapest and most accurate method. The ''fancy'' scale will not give you anything precise. Once your have your caliper, you can use the Jackson-Pollock 3 site method and put your results on this online calculator.

http://www.linear-software.com/online.html

This is great! Thank you.

jwdieter

Varies by location and availability, but I have access to hydro and bodpod analysis for $40-75 (decreasing after initial visit). Depends on budget and what you're looking for.

autopilot_on

Varies by location and availability, but I have access to hydro and bodpod analysis for $40-75 (decreasing after initial visit). Depends on budget and what you're looking for.

I've heard the hydro is really accurate but I'm a bit shy about the whole Luke Skywalker on Hoth routine...

luckydays27

take measurements using a cloth tape measure (costs about $2 at walmart). Enter the info in an online calc like this one. http://www.bmi-calculator.net/body-fat-calculator/

autopilot_on

take measurements using a cloth tape measure (costs about $2 at walmart). Enter the info in an online calc like this one. http://www.bmi-calculator.net/body-fat-calculator/

This is cool, thanks. At least I have a "general idea" now of what my BF% is.

faceoff4

I have used several scales that calculate BF% and they are not that accurate to be honest and fluctuate a ton. Before I started one program I actually when and did a DEXA body scan (measures bone density and body fat, etc). It was a quick procedure and costs about $100-150 I think. It is one of the most accurate measures out there.

The scales are pretty expensive and again I have not found them to be reliable. All the ones I had were telling me I was anywhere between 13-18%...it was all over the map and I knew I was no where near the high end of that. The DEXA scan confirmed I was just under 10% with my head actually being 18% or something crazy! Good luck and hope this helps.

meredith1123

measurements with the cloth tape is the way i do it - then enter measurements into an online BF% calculator...

........alsooooo... we could ask MFP to freaking create something for us to track our BF% (measurements)so we can implement it into our MFP account/profile..AND THEN have the option to have our BF% status pop up when we change our measurements versus our stinkin weight status to pop up when we drop weight.


Just sayin...
gosh, i'm so smartz.

mkakids

measurements with the cloth tape is the way i do it - then enter measurements into an online BF% calculator...

........alsooooo... we could ask MFP to freaking create something for us to track our BF% (measurements)so we can implement it into our MFP account/profile..AND THEN have the option to have our BF% status pop up when we change our measurements versus our stinkin weight status to pop up when we drop weight.


Just sayin...
gosh, i'm so smartz.

The online calcs by measurement vary A LOT. I am between 27% and 53% according to 4 different online calcs where I enter measurements.

You can enter a few measurements on mfp...neck, waist and hips I believe.