Body Fat Percentage?

Espressocycle

So I got a body fat monitor (Omron). It says I'm 18-19% fat. That seems low to me. Should I send it back?
I'm 6'1', 207 lbs. I bike 6 miles/day back and forth to work and walk a lot, but otherwise don't exercise.
I got the monitor so I can start lifting and know if I am gaining muscle or fat, but that only helps if it's accurate.

This is me:

chivalryder

Um.... Yeah, I'm not much smaller then you and mine is saying 34%

I'd get it checked out.

Espressocycle

Of course, my BMI/fat percentage reading matches the picture, so maybe!

jamszy

I have one too, but mine appears to be working correctly. There's a really good review on Amazon here that convinced me to buy it:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R2A68KXT99884W/ref=cm_cr_dp_titleie=UTF8&ASIN=B000FYZMYK&nodeID=3760901&store=hpc

Do you have yours set to Athlete or Normal? What times of day are you measuring?

bpotts44

I would send it back and get a set of calipers. They are cheap and its not hard to do. I'm 18% by calipers and I think judging from the picture it is telling you a little low.

yoovie

Is it set on Athlete or Normal - that makes all the difference. Also check to see if you have it set on male or female - you cant just turn those things on and measure lol - you have to set it up :P

chivalryder

This is the style I have - the current goes through more of your body, so it may be more accurate.

Cost me $60 from Costco on sale (Canadian).

Espressocycle

It's set normal, male with height and weight. If I set it on athlete it tells me the same thing.

jamszy

Maybe this can give you an idea how far off it may or may not be.

usmcmp

They can easily be off +/- 5% from what I've heard. Mine read 25% and calipers said 20%.

Espressocycle

Well, had I read the instructions, I would have known to use it standing up with my arms in front of me ay a 90 degree angle. Thus used, it puts me at 23%, which is probably about right from looking at that picture.