Hydrostatic Body Fat Testing

runninginplace

What it is -
From Wikipedia -
Hydrostatic weighing (i.e., underwater weighing) is a method for measuring the mass density of a body.
From topendsports.com
# purpose: the aim of underwater weighing is to measure the density of the body, and from that figure calculate percentage body fat

Has anybody ever tried this before? I've heard it's most accurate way to test your body fat percentage, and I'm considering having this done to give me an idea of where I am.

mike_littlerock

I think that DEXA and hydrostatic are considered the "gold standard" in terms of accuracy. I was going to get hydrostatic testing, but opted for a DEXA scan offered at a local hospital. It was quick and easy, and considered VERY accurate. both methods have positives and negatives. for example, hydrostatic the issues are making sure the subject is completely submerged and that they fully exhale (and you get wet). they also have to calculate your lung volume to get an accurate reading from my understand.

DEXA is fast and easy, the negatives are the size of the table might not fit extremely obese patients, and that it does use xray technology (my hospital limits you to one test every 6 months). In terms of cost, I was charged $50 for the first test, and $25 for each additional. I was handed a very detailed 7 page report when the test was done (and I was not wet. lol)