Bioelectric Impedence device

clarkcompanero
clarkcompanero Posts: 1,919 Member
edited December 1 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi,

Anyone have experience using BIA and calipers. how close are the numbers? mine said I was 10.6%

Replies

  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    Calipers put me at 25% and BIA put me at 32%. Visually I'm 25%. When I was competing in bodybuilding competitions there was a time where my body fat on calipers was 18% and the BIA read 11%.
  • Hornsby
    Hornsby Posts: 10,322 Member
    They are not accurate.
  • clarkcompanero
    clarkcompanero Posts: 1,919 Member
    i figured. a month back calipers put me around 15-16 when the BIA said i was 12.1. I trust calipers more but wonder how far off the BIA is on average.
  • FunkyTobias
    FunkyTobias Posts: 1,776 Member
    http://weightology.net/weightologyweekly/index.php/free-content/free-content/volume-1-issue-4-the-pitfalls-of-body-fat-measurement-parts-3-and-4-bod-pod-and-bioelectrical-impedance-bia/the-pitfalls-of-bodyfat-measurement-part-4-bioelectrical-impedance-bia/
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    edited May 2016
    The big question is, how important is the actual number. If it's important for you to know, then I would recommend a DEXA or Hydrostatic test, if not, the calipers is pretty sufficient. All methods have some level or error.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    I have both. My calipers say around 20%, BIA says 17-24% depending on the time of day and hydration levels.

    In my opinion, as long as you are doing it first thing in the morning (no drinking alcohol the night before) and once every week or so you can track the downward trend. It's not perfect, but really, what does it matter?

    If you're that concerned with accuracy go get a dexa scan.
  • StealthHealth
    StealthHealth Posts: 2,417 Member
    My understanding is that, with someone experienced taking the measurements caliper results are more accurate than BIA.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    StealthHealth wrote: »
    My understanding is that, with someone experienced taking the measurements caliper results are more accurate than BIA.

    that's correct.

    I'd say it goes like this:
    VERY accurate- Dexa, Hydrostatic Weighing
    Pretty accurate- calipers/skin fold testing
    EHHHH accurate- military measurements method, BIA
  • clarkcompanero
    clarkcompanero Posts: 1,919 Member
    Yeah I won't open the navy circumference measurements as an option. While yes i'll measure my waist to recognize a downward trend, the same goes for BIA or calipers. I am not overly concerned about what the exact amount was but just wondered if the Calipers were the truer reflection of my BF%.
  • sarochka85
    sarochka85 Posts: 103 Member
    The Weightology link given above is excellent.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    clarkcompanero wrote: »
    Yeah I won't open the navy circumference measurements as an option. While yes i'll measure my waist to recognize a downward trend, the same goes for BIA or calipers. I am not overly concerned about what the exact amount was but just wondered if the Calipers were the truer reflection of my BF%.

    When you use the calipers, how many sites are you/your trainer measuring? I tend to do the 7 site method, but there is also an 11 site method. More sites/points will just provide a better indication of total body fat, which you don't get from just pictures. I have very little fat in my legs and back, but am hosed in my stomach. So body fat for my legs is 11% but 18 to 20% in my stomach currently.


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