Body Fat Testing?

S

Socrates1

New member
Hey, just a general question about body fat percentages. Today for my college fitness course we had to assess our baseline fitness which included doing a body fat test. My weight and BMI were close to where I wanted them (170 and 22.5 respectively...I want to be in the middle of the range.) However, I've always suspected that my body fat percentage was a little high just based on what my body actually looks like.

But, I was still surprised to get a 21.5 on the body fat test. Sources vary but it seems like the consensus is "that's a technically okay percentage but it's borderline unhealthy." I was surprised because I exercise frequently and eat well. The catch is, these were the biometrical impedance measurers, which can apparently be up to 5% offf, which is a lot when it comes to body fat percentages.

So, my questions: do you guys measure body fat %, either regularly or ever? How do you do it? Is there any source besides biometrical or the caliper method? Can you have a regular doctor do this test or are you better off seeing if your local gym can do it? Is there a reliable home method (just because my local gym is the UNC-run gym, and I'm guessing they use the same measuring method as the fitness course), either free or cheap?
 
Alright, well, not to rely on Wikipedia as the definitive source but it does mention a study on BIA that apparently grossly overestimated bodyfat in college-aged people (40% for men and 55% for women) but the reference was to a paper source so I can't confirm...but if anyone's heard of similar findings...
 
I think the most accurate is called a DEXA scan, and I believe there may be some other new, high tech methods.

There's also a water volume displacement method, that's also been shown highly accurate, but it's kind of a pain to do since they submerse you in water.

BIA is affected dramatically by hydration levels, so for me I use a BIA scale only to track trends and a general assessment of where I'm at.

Calipers can be quite accurate, but it all comes down to how skilled the person using them is. It can vary quite a bit. Again, mostly I use bf measurements like this to track whether or not I'm decreasing in body fat - whether or not you have more than you need is generally something you can see by looking.

Don't know about the 40%/55% overestimation bit though, I've only heard + or - 5% accuracy on the scales, and it only measures the part of the body it runs through. I.e. if you use a scale that runs through your legs, it might give a different reading than a handheld that goes through your arms, especially if you carry more weight in your upper or lower body.
 
I'd love to have something useful to say but I can only add confusion. lol.

My bodyfat from (impedance) has been unchanged over the last 3-4 months (weight also little changed) lets say 195lbs and 21% BF.

Over this time I've seen changes in my body (thankyou mirror) and my clothes feel loser.

In short, I wonder if the mirror isn't truly the best measurement?
 
I agree with Ian,

I just can't think of something pragmatic that would require such strict body fat % accuracy for everyday joe's like most of us... The thing is, if I looked in the mirror and didn't like what I saw, I don't care if I am 2% body fat, or 200% (I know that's not possible)..I am still going to strive to change what I see. Unless you are a body builder, I think another metric, that is easier to attain would be more useful for your goals. Scales are accurate, maybe you can find a way to make that work?
 
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