Thread: Measuring body fat %

That should be fine, consistency is the key (to gauge progress), not the actual number.

Well I am not much aware of how it works but it is said that Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.

Many web sites have BMI calculators available to know index details. You can use any such calculator.

they got the digital calipers too but i duno how much better those would be than the plastic ones

Originally Posted by roger355

Well I am not much aware of how it works but it is said that Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.

Many web sites have BMI calculators available to know index details. You can use any such calculator.

Yes, and at 17% bodyfat, size 8 UK, size 6 US right now, I am bordering on an unhealthy BMI (it is close to 25).

For people that weight train, or have been quite athletic, the BMI is useless.

The cheap plastic calipers, the accumeasure, are good for a one site measurement.

You can also use them with the equations, however, good luck taking your own sub-scapular or back of tricep measurement on your own

x
x
x

T

what do you think about the digital ones tatyana or have you ever had the chance to try one?
they seem pretty pricey so they must be nice?
or is just the simple plastic one good enough?

Originally Posted by Delusional

what do you think about the digital ones tatyana or have you ever had the chance to try one?
they seem pretty pricey so they must be nice?
or is just the simple plastic one good enough?

I have the cheap plastic ones, the expensive digital ones and I have a BMI scale (Tanita-Body Scan). I did get the scales half price.

In all honesty, I use the cheap plastic ones the most. Just one site usually as well.

I do also have my scales programmed so my bodyfat comes up everyday, I think it might be roughly accurate for my lower body, but it can fluctuate up to 4% depending on how hydrated I am.

I only start using the digital calipers when

1. my bodyfat is under 13% (lower limits for women)

2. I have someone who I know is skilled in taking my measurements and will do it on a fairly regular basis for me

I also have the calculations for more than one site measurements you can use the cheap calipers. They do give measurements in mm and inches.

Obviously, the mm is more accurate and you see change far more quickly

x
x
x

T

4 Site formula for men (abdomen, suprailiac, thigh, tricep)

% fat = .29288(sum of 4 skinfolds) - 0.0005(sum of four skinfolds squared) + 0.15845(age) - 5.76377

4-Site Formula for women (abdomen, suprailiac, thigh, tricep)

% Fat = (.29669)(sum of 4 skinfolds) - (.00043)(Sum of four skinfolds squared) + .02963(age) + 1.4072

[Source: Jackson A S, Pollock, M (1985) Practical assessment of body composition. Physician Sport Med. 13: 76-90.]