The bmi numbers are way too general to be really useful says tammy callahan marketing manager of life measurement inc which. Having too much body fat can lead to type 2 diabetes heart disease high blood pressure.
How And Why To Measure Your Body Fat Percentage
Body fat measurement center. The term body composition refers to the relative percentages of fat muscle and water. These data are used to produce the predictive equations for lean body weight given in the abstract generalized body composition prediction equation for men using simple measurement techniques kw. But others feel that body fat percentage is really the way to go. Body fat scales are easy to use. The widely used body mass index bmi provides a measure that allows the comparison of the adiposity of individuals of different heights and weights. Hydrostatic weighing and other high tech machines are expensive and almost impossible for a layperson to access.
Fisher facsm human performance research center brigham young university provo utah 84602 as listed in medicine and science in sports and exercise vol. Body fat scales are devices that a person can use to measure their weight and body composition at home. Find nearby locations and pricing to get you an on the spot assessment of your body composition. There are many different methods for measuring body fat but some are more accurate than others. Use the metric units tab if you are more comfortable with the international system of units si. The dexa scan is the clinical gold standard for measuring fat muscle and bone density.
Weight loss obesity overview. The body fat calculator can be used to estimate your total body fat based on specific measurements. Being obese means having so much body fat that your health is in danger. Skinfold measurements have been used to estimate body fat for over 50 years skinfold calipers measure the thickness of your subcutaneous fat the fat underneath the skin at certain body. 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. There are also hand held devices and scales which measure body fat but these are often inaccurate.
To get the best results measure to the nearest 14 inch 05 cm. You simply step on the scale and the tool measures both your body weight and your estimated fat percentage. Such scales work with the help of sensors underneath. A dexa scan dual enerxy x ray absorptiometry uses two different types of waves that are reflected by lean muscle and bone differently.