When to measure BF

**Rocco32** · 08-14-2003, 05:20 AM

When should you measure Body Fat? I have and electrical impulse BF analyzer and depending on the time of day I use it gives me different readings (according to how well hydrated you are). So I was wondering when the best time to measure BF is. When I do it in the morning I'm dehydrated and BF is 14-15%. When I do it in the evening because I've been drinking all day it's 8-10%. So what do I say my BF is?

**ponyboy** · 08-14-2003, 05:33 AM

Your answer is either don't use one of those things (because they're not accurate)...but since that's probably not an option, try to use it every day right after you get up. That means at least you're getting a reading with a somewhat consistent level of hydration (which is some of what affects the reading).

**Par Deus** · 08-14-2003, 09:41 AM

I would do both the morning and the evening testings. Mornings will have the most consistent conditions, but it is probably the least precise, because you are dehydrated, and body water content is such an important part of readings with these.

**OceanDude** · 08-14-2003, 09:48 AM

I hate those electronic ones and have pretty much convinced myslef they have a random number generator in them to just give you a guess. I prefer the digital mechanical calipers like the fat trac II - only about 25$.

**Rocco32** · 08-14-2003, 10:13 AM

Do you think that is pretty accurate OceanDude? Where do you pick it up?

**OceanDude** · 08-14-2003, 10:30 AM

Yes they are pretty accurate - within +/- 2% once you learn how to properly use them. These prices vary considerably from place to place. I got mine for $20 somewhere on the net but can't recall where right now. Here is one I just found for $25.00 http://www.dpsnutrition.net but I have not used this source. It's called fat track II. This is a "3 point" system that is fairly fast. A more accurate 7 point system is available too(number of body locations it requires a sample to calculate) but I think 2% error is reasonable and less of a hassle to deal with than the 7 point systems that cost more.

**Mudge** · 08-14-2003, 11:16 AM

Ocean does it memorize the totals for you? That would be neat because doing the 7-9 pointer yourself, and trying to read it, is near impossible.

**OceanDude** · 08-14-2003, 11:49 AM

Yes, it's completely automatic in its calculation. All you have to do is sample the 3 sites correctly. It will keep a running history that you can scroll through for the last 3 samples I think...

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