Body fat percentage measurement

I just found a trainer in town with a BodPod. I can't wait to get this done!

The only completely accurate measuring device is a dunk tank, air displacement pod, or Dexascans (like an x-ray). But obviously those are not easily available & expensive. Most experts say the next best thing are the electronic scales, because they say people are NOT consistent w/caliper measurements. BUT the main reason the scales tend to vary so much is because of hydration issues and there are ways to minimize that. We use a scale for our weight loss group, everyone is advised of the tips below to make it as accurate as possible, & it is VERY rare the numbers change more than 1-2% each week. First, make sure you have a good scale. Consumer Reports liked the Weight Watchers & Biggest Loser scales, both available from Bed, Bath & Beyond...look for the 20% off coupons that are all over the place. Then follow these tips & I think you'll find the numbers stay pretty consistent.

1. No exercise 12 hours before testing.
2. No food or drink, not even water less than 4 hours before testing.
3. BUT hydrate like crazy up to that 4 hour cut off.
4. Due to the tips above, & because most people wake up dehydrated, it's usually best to test at night.
5. Completely dry skin, so best to test before any showers.

Hope this helps.

#1 - DEXA Scan. Extremely accurate....but VERY expensive to have done, IF you can find a place that does them.
#2 - Hydrostatic Testing (aka water displacement). Very accurate....but not widely available (although most colleges/universities with an exercise science dept have one)...can be pricey ($40-100).
#3 - Bod Pod (aka air displacement). only slightly less accurate than water....again not widely available (although most colleges/universities with an exercise science dept have one)...can be pricey ($30-75).
#4 - Skinfold Measurements (aka caliper testing) by a trained professional. accuracy highly dependent on the knowledge/ability of person taking the skinfold measurements. widely available (most gyms should have at least one trainer on staff that knows how to do it)...cost is minimal (or free). Key is to make sure the same person takes your measurements each time you have it done.
#5 - Bio-Impedance (aka electronic scale or handheld device) - EXTREMELY inaccurate (can be off by as much as 10-15% or more!). Best used to track trends, provided you have the same hydration level as the last time you tested. widely available (most gyms have a handheld device, or you can purchase your own scale or handheld device). cost is extremely variable from free (at the gym) to upwards of $200 for a scale (although from what I've read, more $$ does NOT translate to more accurate).

**Caveat - ALL methods are subject to error by the person administering. The only 100% true way to measure BF is via autopsy.

Hope that helps! :happy:

Yea, the scales that measure bodyfat% are more or less a joke, although they do show trending over time. Over the course of 24 hours, my BF% varies up to 8% on the scale.

As a male who gains most of his fat around the midsection, I simply measure my waist measurement on basically a daily basis (empty stomach, first thing in the morning), which has been a pretty good for tracking for me.

For anyone in the Twin Cities area, the University of Minnesota does hydrostatic testing for something like $40 (found it via google). When I get to a leaner weight I plan on giving that a whirl.

Hey!
What does everyone think is the best bodyfat % measure?
It's definitely not the electronic scale... I went on it the day before yesterday and it calculated 20% bf and yesterday it was 12% bf... I'm pretty sure it's not 12% (according to what I can see from the mirror anyway) and I'm sure, I hope it's below 20, I'm been working pretty hard.

So how does everyone track their progress? And how accurate is it?

InBody. Did one today.