Thread: body fat % - reliable?

Originally Posted by man2010

Was in a chemists and used a machine there that measures body fat percentage. Not only did it tell me I'm 5kg heavier than I thought I was, but it says I have a body fat of 13.5%. How reliable do you think these things are? It doesn't really matter of course as I feel healthy and look healthy, but I'd always thought you couldn't have a six-pack for example unless you're under 10% - Here are some recent photos of me. The machine worked by me gripping two handles. Based on those photos do you think it's accurate? Just interested.

Those are fine for personal use, and to monitor changes over time. However, they are notably inaccurate for actual percentage.

They work in the same fashion as the "body fat measuring" scales; ie: via measuring resistance on a generated an electrical pulse. But there are a number of variables, including level of hydration.

Good enough, for personal use, but I wouldn't use it as gospel truth.

Yep-not very accurate. The only real accurate test is when they submerge you in a vat of water. The name of the test slips my mind for some reason.

^ Hydrostatic weighing.

Hydrostatic is best, but expensive. If you're not too high in BF, you can run calipers, it'll give you a decent idea.

If you want to know just for shits & giggles, cool. If you want to know as a unit to measure progress, I'd recommend sticking with circumference measurements.

No they are not accurate. I could see you at 13% or so. The whole six pack thing is up to the person. Mine doesn't go away regardless. Granted I haven't been over about 15% in a while.

Originally Posted by Gazhole

^ Hydrostatic weighing.

Thanks Gaz-can always count on you to have the info. They had a set up where I went to school, and all the football players had to go in a few times a year. Whichever lineman that got the highest number took a lot of shit from the rest of us. Fattest of the fat. Now that's a title that'll make any mom proud.