Body fat analyzers

katie1318

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts on body fat analyzers were. I'd like to lose fat while continuing to build strength, so I figured a body fat analyzers would track progress better than a traditional scale. Does anyone have any recommendations as to which BFA I should buy (looking for consistency and hoping to spend no more than $30)? Or does anyone think I should just stick with the scale? Thanks!

nineteentwenty

I use some calipers I got off of amazon. It's a learning curve, but it's an estimate I trust.

T1DCarnivoreRunner

I have the same question. Currently, I use an Omron scale that uses bio-electrical impedence with connectors for each foot and each hand (4 contact points). It is fairly consistent at 23-24% (except sometimes when I'm really dehydrated, it can be high - like 27%-28%).

Using online calculators, I get different results by a large difference:
Omron bio-electric impedence scale: Roughly 23.7%
Military body fat percentage formula: 16.83%
Covert Baily body fat formula: 12.2%

That's a big difference, and I have no idea which is right. All I know is I have plenty of fat left to lose.

chandanista

I've noticed how sweaty I am, and how sweaty my feet are, really affects the bf% my scale gives me. Up and down 10% a day. I prefer pictures and mirror tbh.

Erik8484

Body fat analysis scales are horribly inaccurate. Think of them as being equivalent to asking a random person on the internet what your body fat % is based on a picture. It's possible that they're right, but they could also be wrong (wildly wrong even). Here's my go-to article which explains how inaccurate all types of body fat analysis are: http://weightology.net/weightologyweekly/index.php/free-content/free-content/volume-1-issue-3-the-pitfalls-of-body-fat-measurement-parts-1-and-2/the-pitfalls-of-body-fat-measurement-part-1/

If you want to get one then go for it (who doesn't like new gadgets), but the answer it spits out is just another guys opinion, not an accurate measurement.

caurinus

They're all different. I personally like the Omron products, the one I have is fairly consistent (though I don't have a reliable test for its accuracy). I use that and also take regular tape measurements of abdomen, chest, arm, and thigh, and also track weight daily.

motivatedmartha

A mirror?