Bodyfat test result variations; 17% then 8% !?

D

dgessler

0
I took a home caliper skinfold test over the summer, and I was in the realm of 16-17% bodyfat. The only skin I pinched was on my side (above hip bone). I decided to take a body composition test today at my new university (virginia tech) to see if I lowered my bodyfat by a percentage point or two. Since then I've only lost maybe 5 pounds over 2 months.

They had a "fitness assessment" which I did this morning, and they measured my bodyfat to be 8.9%. I didn't beleive her at first. I doubt there is any way my bodyfat is really this low (or even near this?!). One thing to note was they used three different skinfolds: my upper chest above the armpit, on the stomach, and on the thigh. The girl did 3 runs and averaged them out.

They also did a bunch of other testing; my BMI is 22.83, weight 168, height 72 in (about 6"). Can doing the skin-fold caliper testing vary so much on different parts of the body, or do you guys think she made an error? I'm going to assume I didn't drop 7% bodyfat in such a short period of time.. I paid $15 for that "fitness assessment" too.

Thanks,
Dan
 
well, a 1pt skinfold test like you first did, not accurate.

not sure her test was good either. I like a minimum of 3pts: bicep, tricep, and either suprailiac or subscapular...or all 4pts I just listed.
 
Maybe neather were accurate.

Ask for a 7 point calliper test as they are the most accurate.

You should't use BMI machines, they are a waste of time. Just look in the mirror and judge for yourself.
 
This is just my questimate here but your stats don't sound too far off mine and I'm about 10% bf so her test might be pretty accurate
So long as you're reasonably fit then I really wouldn't worry about bf, it's not like you're 6" and 300lbs
 
I agree that a 7pt test should be a little more accurate.

you can also see if a university near you can do a hydrostatic bodyfat test, for the most accurate test available.
 
9-site test is much more accurate I found, personally..
The 7-site put me in a whopping 2% lower than my actual bf%.
 
Malkore - whats a hydrostatic bodyfat test?

would it be able to tell the diffrence between fat, water and muscle?
 
some info:

but basically, you get submersed in water for the test since fat and muscle have different densities, it gives you the most accurate body fat test out there right now, short of skinning you and cutting all your fat off, and weighing it.

i'm gonna look into doing it later this year, as there's a large university in town with a well known college football team, so they assuredly must have a hydrostatic test station I can pay to use.
 
Malkore,
It would be great if you could (on the same day, approx same time) take your bf measurements with calipers as well. It would be great to have firsthand comparisons to post for those considering having hydrostatic bf tests..
 
Malkore - thanks.

Yeah, if you ever get it done, make sure you get ur BF% tested with calipers and scales. It would be interesting to see the diffrence.
 
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