The Pitfalls Of Body Fat Measurement
It is essential to conduct a body fat analysis.
The pitfalls of body fat measurement. Body fat scales are easy to use. Here are five common methods used to analyze body fat and pros and cons of each type of body fat analysis. In the program i used to do research for we had clients who obviously lost large amounts of fat judging by circumference measurements yet saw an increase in body fat according to bia. The body fat percentage is a measure of fitness level since it is the only body measurement which directly calculates a persons relative body composition without regard to height or weight.
The 2compartment model divides the body weight into fat mass and fat free mass or ffm. Body mass index is away of measuring body fat thats based on height and weight. All of the methods available for live people are nothing more than predictions predictions with sizeable errors. Although modern technologies and assessment have helped in the evolution of body fat analysis still there are certain shortcomings especially depending on the method you choose.
Such scales work with the help of sensors underneath. There are many ways to assess your weight and body composition to determine if youre carrying too much body fat. Some methods such as skin fold caliper testing are quite invasive while an mri which is very accurate may not be readily available. In part 1 of this series i told you how the only true way to measure body fat is to kill you strip off of the fat and weigh it.
Body composition testing or body fat testing measures the amount of body fat and fat free mass also referred to as lean tissue muscle mass body water bone and organs in the body. Dexa dxa scan bod pod test underwater weighing calipers and bathroom scales. Body mass index advantages disadvantages. You simply step on the scale and the tool measures both your body weight and your estimated fat percentage.
Focusing on body fat percentage instead of weight is much more useful to track fat loss progress. Still even there one has to be careful at times. Yes kevin i would agree with you that it gives you a rough idea if youre losing fat. Now you will learn just how big the errors are and where they come from.
11 19 from a clinical and epidemiological point of view it is important to have a consensual technique. Here are the 10 best ways to measure your body fat percentage. Therefore the objective measurement of sarcopenia is hampered by limitations intrinsic to assessment tools. Its one of the oldest methods in the books because its a simple calculation.
There are several techniques you could use to measure body fat. 18 body composition techniques are based on these organizational levels.