How to measure body fat?

[step_a_holic]

Okay, I have been procrastinating long enough about having my body fat measured. I REALLY don't want to, but since I've started ignoring the scale, I would like to use this as a way of tracking my progress.

How do you go about measuring body fat? Do you need to go somewhere and have it done? I vividly remember being in the girls locker room in Junior High and having the flab under my arm pinched with this contraption. I don't remember exactly what it was measuring, but I'm assuming it was body fat.

Any input is appreciated.

Melissa

 

[Sekcy_Gymnast]

I got my body fat tested at the gym I go to. If you belong ot a gym, ask an employee if you could get your body fat tested. They give you something that looks like a game controller, and you plug in your age and wieght, and hold on tight to the sensors, and it gives you your body fat percentage. I got mine tested about 2 weeks ago. My body fat is 6.2% which means 5 pounds of my body wieght is fat, and the rest is lean body mass, muscle, and bones. If you don't belong ot a gym, go to your doctor, and ask them if you can get your body fat tested there, if not, ask where you can.

Hope this helps,

~Adri;-)
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[beckymd]

That contraption from Jr High was a caliper. It is one way to measure body fat. It is somewhat accurate...depending on the person who is taking the measurements.

The best way to test body fat is with a DEXA scan. This is the same scan that tells you your bone mineral density. Depending on your age, insurance may cover it (for the bone density part). If your insurance won't cover it, you could pay 250-350 out of pocket. The other methods are not as accurate.

Adri, this may be a personal question and you don't have to answer it, but have started menstruating yet? It isn't healthy for a woman (or female teenager) to have under 10% body fat.

-Becky