In short electrical impulses are sent through the body. One issue is that the current runs from foot to foot and therefore is only measuring fat content in the lower body. Athletes typically have much less body fat. The most reliable method of measuring body fat in highly trained athletes is to measure skinfold thickness and compare the average of readings taken at 6 to 8 different places on the body to. Body fat percentage with the renpho body fat monitor the body fat percentage is only measured via foot sensors. Just as the weather reporter cannot predict the weather with 100 accuracy we cannot predict your body fat levels with 100 accuracy how do body fat percentage scales work.

If youre concerned about your body fat percentage skip the commercially available body fat analyzers and ask your doctor about the use of more accurate measurement techniques. Here is a video showing how a 3 d body scanner works. This is the so called bia method bioelectrical impedance analysis. Therefore the measurement should be taken with caution. Limited information is available but some 3 d scanners may be fairly accurate with errors of around 4 body fat. Accuracy can also vary depending on various factors including.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis bia is a commonly used method for estimating body composition in particular body fat and muscle massin bia a weak electric current flows through the body and the voltage is measured in order to calculate impedance resistance of the body. That these scales are not as accurate as other body fat measurement methods. Results from portable body fat analyzers can vary depending on many factors however including the quality of the device and how hydrated you are when the measurement is taken. A consumer reports study of body fat scales supports what many health and fitness experts say. Body fat scales can be an easy way to track your body fat percentage but they may not tell the complete story about your health. In addition more important than total body fat is where the fat is distributedand body fat scales don.

You should know how a body fat scale works. Its usually used for bone density testing but its also considered one of the most accurate ways to measure body fat 2a dexa scan is like getting a full body x ray so it does deliver a small degree of radiation. Dexa or dxa stands for dual emission x ray absorptiometry. According to some experts a healthy range is 23 to 33 percent for middle aged women 11 to 21 percent for middle age men and up to 35 percent for older women and 24 percent for older men. Most body water is stored in muscle. Body fat scales are one of the most popular ways to measure your body fat mainly because theyre quick and easy to use.

Gallery of Body Fat Measurement Accuracy