Tomographic imaging techniques such as computed tomography ct and magnetic resonance imaging mri are available which involve in vivomeasurements of different fat depots and fat infiltration in organs and are considered to be the gold standard for body composition analysis56. For that reason many experts refer to hydrostatic weighing as the gold standard for measuring body composition. Each of the methods has advantages and disadvantages. The technique uses tried and true variables that feature a low percentage of error. Hydrostatic weighing is an incredibly accurate technique for measuring body composition. The bod pod is an egg shaped device that measures body volume and body weight to determine body density and.
5 the bod pod the method calculates your body fat percentage by using air displacement to measure your body mass volume and density. Its also commonly used in research settings. 6 methods of measuring body fat and their pros and cons hydrostatic weighing. Hydrostatic or underwater weighing is a form of estimating body fat percentage in which a person. The method for measuring the relevant body parts as well as the specific equations used are provided below. There are many specific techniques used for measuring body fat.
This is also pretty darn accurate but also pretty darn expensive at usually around 75 per session. Nmr is a noninvasive technique and the standard noninvasive technique for measurement of intrahepatic lipid and intramyocellular lipid imcl and extramyocellular lipid emcl in muscle fibers. The bod pod taps into adp technology air displacement plethysmography if you want to get fancy which uses air displacement to measure body volume and calculates lean and fat mass. Measurements are taken at either 3 or 7 different sites on the body. A skin fold test is done using a tool called calipers to pinch different areas of your body and measure. 6 ways to measure body fat percentage 1.
Nmr is a surrogate for liver biopsies to detect fat content in liver. The calculator above uses a method involving equations developed at the naval health research center by hodgdon and beckett in 1984. Find a bod pod location by putting in your location in the right hand column. The skin fold method measures your body fat percentage by pinching your fat with your fingers then measuring the thickness with a body fat caliper. A basic way to measure body fat percentage is by using a soft tape measure like the kind youd use for. Skinfold calipers measure the thickness of your subcutaneous fat the fat underneath the skin at certain body locations.
The reading is given in millimeters which you compare to a chart with age and gender to arrive at your body fat percentage.
Gallery of Body Fat Measurement Techniques
