Body fat percentage?

azampino1
azampino1 Posts: 29 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I got a body fat caliper and did a measurement this morning.
I Believe it is off by a lot, my fitbit scale keeps hovering around 19-22%. Which I think is a little high compared to the photos I Googled with examples.
I used the bodybuilding.com calculator with 3 test sites and got 9.07%. There is no way I look 9.07%.
Did I do the test wrong or is the calculator off? I got the following measurements: 12mm thighs, 6mm chest, and 12mm stomach.
Is the three test site accurate or should I go with the 7 test site method?

Replies

  • SCoil123
    SCoil123 Posts: 2,110 Member
    I found that taking measurements using the military and ymca formula came closest to estimating my body fat percentage after I had a dexa scan done. The measurements using this calculator put my within 3% of what the scan did.

    **measurements put my 3% lower so I just add 3 to whatever I get now and use that until I can afford another scan

    https://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/body-fat-percentage-calculator
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    OP: It's impossible to take all of the necessary measurements w/a skinfold caliper by yourself.

    You need a minimum of 7 and ideally 12 data points, including 1-2 on your back which are the ones you can't do yourself.

    You also need experience to learn how to pinch the skin properly in order to get the most accurate measurement. Just pinching a little too much or too little can throw the whole thing off.

    Only DXA and hydrostatic testing work for me, even so DXA always measures my BF at 3-4% more than hydro.

    On the other hand, online calculators based on tape measurements, all estimate my BF at 4-5% higher than DXA which is no better than the mreasurement I get w/bioelectrical devices.

    So, if you want to stick w/the skin fold calipers, try to find someone experienced w/them at a gym or fitness center to take the measurements for you.

    Otherwise, DXA and hydro are your best bets.
  • azampino1
    azampino1 Posts: 29 Member
    SCoil123 wrote: »
    I found that taking measurements using the military and ymca formula came closest to estimating my body fat percentage after I had a dexa scan done. The measurements using this calculator put my within 3% of what the scan did.

    **measurements put my 3% lower so I just add 3 to whatever I get now and use that until I can afford another scan

    https://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/body-fat-percentage-calculator

    Thanks
  • azampino1
    azampino1 Posts: 29 Member
    sgt1372 wrote: »
    OP: It's impossible to take all of the necessary measurements w/a skinfold caliper by yourself.

    You need a minimum of 7 and ideally 12 data points, including 1-2 on your back which are the ones you can't do yourself.

    You also need experience to learn how to pinch the skin properly in order to get the most accurate measurement. Just pinching a little too much or too little can throw the whole thing off.

    Only DXA and hydrostatic testing work for me, even so DXA always measures my BF at 3-4% more than hydro.

    On the other hand, online calculators based on tape measurements, all estimate my BF at 4-5% higher than DXA which is no better than the mreasurement I get w/bioelectrical devices.

    So, if you want to stick w/the skin fold calipers, try to find someone experienced w/them at a gym or fitness center to take the measurements for you.

    Otherwise, DXA and hydro are your best bets.

    Thanks, I will look into the dxa. I will also try the 7 point method for now.

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