Do you measure body fat?

A lot of people tend to overlook the importance of measuring their body fat percentage, or the measure of fat mass to lean tissue including bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and organs.

Usually, higher body fat percentage can result to diabetes, high blood pressure, and other heart risks.

But the overall amount isn’t the only issue.

For some, increased abdominal fat can result to numerous heart diseases or even cancer compared to being distributed all over the body.

So what are the best methods to measure body fat?

Skin Calipers

Skin Calipers are the most accessible method to measure body composition. This method is usually performed by an experienced technician, by pinching the fat slightly away from the body and measuring its thickness.

Usually, for women, body fat is tested on the triceps, suprailiac, and thighs.

Bioelectrical Impedance

This method works by sending tiny electrical impulses on the body and measuring the speed of those impulses’ return.

Since lean tissue conducts impulses quicker than fatty tissue, a faster response rate would mean having a leaner physique.

Hydrostatic Weighing

Also known as Underwater Weighing, this method is done by comparing one’s normal body weight with his or her weight while completely submerged inside a water tank.

The body composition is then measured by using these two figures and computing it with the water’s density.

DEXA

Although traditionally used to only determine bone density and potential risk of osteoporosis, this method is now also practiced to measure body composition.

This is done by emitting a high and low energy X-ray beam over the person’s body. The machine then scans each body part, determining one’s body mineral density, lean body mass, and fat mass.

Air-Displacement Plethysmography

Almost similar to Hydrostatic Weighing, the ADP (Air-Displacement Plethysmography) works by measuring one’s body composition when placed inside a Bod Pod.

A Bod Pod is an egg-like machine that uses air-displacement, determining one’s body volume and calculating lean and fat mass.

Regardless of which method you decide to go with, consistency is key for accurate results. Find a method that works for you and stick with it.

And although it’s important to know how you can measure your body fat accurately, this is just one of the ways to health and fitness. Remember, getting the proper amount of sleep and making sure you’re eating well are also equally important as training hard to reduce body fat.

If you’re struggling with managing your body fat, or want to get the assistance of a professional, get in touch with the experts at Slim Spa by calling 04 343 7987.