Maths Vs Machine

doobyden
doobyden Posts: 25
edited December 18 in Health and Weight Loss
Which is more reliable?

Using the calculation [ Body Fat% = (1.20 x BMI) + (0.23 x Age) – 5.4 ] my bf% is 35%. However on the gym scales that give detailed body composition figures, my bf% is 42%.

So do I side with my abacus or modern technology?

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    How does the scale at the gym measure composition, bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA)?

    If it's BIA I'd probably trust the abacus. You can fool BIA by drinking a large quantity of water before testing.
  • doobyden
    doobyden Posts: 25
    Ah! Thanks, I'm pretty sure they work via BIA but I didn't know you could trick them. Do you think retaining water at certain times of the month could also send them a bit bonkers?
  • doobyden
    doobyden Posts: 25
    Anyone?
  • TheFunBun
    TheFunBun Posts: 793 Member
    Yes, any water fluctuations can change the machines... they are pretty consistent if you use them at the same time every use without having had anything to drink prior to.

    That calculation was extremely off for me- and I assume it would be for anyone who wasn't just right on the average. The important thing is that with calipers or the BIA machines if you use them consistently you can at least track the trend.
  • doobyden
    doobyden Posts: 25
    Ok thanks :)
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