Measure Body fat
- Thread starter katie lee
- Start date
MidgetDogg
Cathlete
I use an Accu-Measure caliper:
http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-...YW74/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1288111100&sr=8-1
I've also used the Body Fat % calculator on Livestrong.com. Both come up with the same measurement.
http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-...YW74/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1288111100&sr=8-1
I've also used the Body Fat % calculator on Livestrong.com. Both come up with the same measurement.
trotchase
Cathlete
Hi Kathy!!
I just had my body fat measured in a bod pod. You can find a test location by going to their website at bodpod.com and click on the box to the right of the screen that says "Get tested in a Bod Pod, click here for locations". I found a location at a university about an hour away and the charge was very reasonable at $25 so I will definitely go back to evaluate my progress.
Since my rotator cuff tear last year I have been losing weight over this past year, but I've only recently been back to lifting. So I was happy with my results of 24% which is healthy. I've been measuring body fat using a formula based on measurements and I have to say my calculations were only off a little over 1% under the bod pod results. So, I can share that with you if the locations don't work for you. By going to have it done it has upped my level of motivation and determination to kick it up a notch and keep pushing for new goals! My goal is probably 18% so I got some work to do. I look forward to starting STS after my therapy is over probably after the New Year's as I am sure that will increase my lean muscle mass!
The test is really fast and easy. You sit in an enclosed unit shaped like an egg with a window. You breathe normal, but need to sit still for just 45 seconds. Then she repeated the test one more time. You need to wear tight fitting clothes preferably a spandex one piece bathing suit or sports bra and spandex shorts plus they give you a cap for your hair. Easy!!
The accuracy is just as good as the underwater weighing method (which is known to be the best test) and much better than calipers or body fat scales. The error is a 2% swing either way but so is the underwater method. The other methods have a much higher error range of plus or minus 6-8%.
Good luck!
Gina
I just had my body fat measured in a bod pod. You can find a test location by going to their website at bodpod.com and click on the box to the right of the screen that says "Get tested in a Bod Pod, click here for locations". I found a location at a university about an hour away and the charge was very reasonable at $25 so I will definitely go back to evaluate my progress.
Since my rotator cuff tear last year I have been losing weight over this past year, but I've only recently been back to lifting. So I was happy with my results of 24% which is healthy. I've been measuring body fat using a formula based on measurements and I have to say my calculations were only off a little over 1% under the bod pod results. So, I can share that with you if the locations don't work for you. By going to have it done it has upped my level of motivation and determination to kick it up a notch and keep pushing for new goals! My goal is probably 18% so I got some work to do. I look forward to starting STS after my therapy is over probably after the New Year's as I am sure that will increase my lean muscle mass!
The test is really fast and easy. You sit in an enclosed unit shaped like an egg with a window. You breathe normal, but need to sit still for just 45 seconds. Then she repeated the test one more time. You need to wear tight fitting clothes preferably a spandex one piece bathing suit or sports bra and spandex shorts plus they give you a cap for your hair. Easy!!
The accuracy is just as good as the underwater weighing method (which is known to be the best test) and much better than calipers or body fat scales. The error is a 2% swing either way but so is the underwater method. The other methods have a much higher error range of plus or minus 6-8%.
Good luck!
Gina
jldx2in2000
Cathlete
I have also had my bf tested using Accu Measure one-click calipers, the Navy tape measure method, and in a Bod Pod.
Using the Accu Measure and Navy tape measure, I got consistent and close results of around 25%. The Bod Pod gave me results of 34%.
I know that the Bod Pod is supposed to be a gold standard in measuring body fat but I can't imagine that I have that much bf and that there is that big of a difference between the Bod Pod and the other two methods.
Also, I looked at the link Dela referenced in her “Body Fat Percentage Photos” thread
http://cathe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=278980
and have to say that I am much closer to looking like the picture of the 25% woman than the 30%. Unlike the 30% woman, I have slight muscle definition in my arms and abs (without flexing).
I am not trying to dissuade you from going the Bod Pod route but just to give you another view point from someone who has had the testing done.
I apologize if this didn’t help you.
Using the Accu Measure and Navy tape measure, I got consistent and close results of around 25%. The Bod Pod gave me results of 34%.
I know that the Bod Pod is supposed to be a gold standard in measuring body fat but I can't imagine that I have that much bf and that there is that big of a difference between the Bod Pod and the other two methods.
Also, I looked at the link Dela referenced in her “Body Fat Percentage Photos” thread
http://cathe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=278980
and have to say that I am much closer to looking like the picture of the 25% woman than the 30%. Unlike the 30% woman, I have slight muscle definition in my arms and abs (without flexing).
I am not trying to dissuade you from going the Bod Pod route but just to give you another view point from someone who has had the testing done.
I apologize if this didn’t help you.
trotchase
Cathlete
There are guidelines that need to be followed for accuracy of the bod pod testing. You need to refrain from eating, drinking, or exercising 3-4 hours prior to the test. The proper clothing and not moving during the test is also very important. Also removing all jewelry and glasses and basically just wearing a minimal amount of tight clothes and the cap is required.
Maybe information was incorrectly inputted? The bod pod operator inputs your height, age, gender and weight which they usually take your weight before the test. I can't believe that the test was that inaccurate for you without a factor affecting the result.
I hope that your unfortunate experience does not influence others from seeking this invaluable and highly recommended method for body fat testing.
Gina
Maybe information was incorrectly inputted? The bod pod operator inputs your height, age, gender and weight which they usually take your weight before the test. I can't believe that the test was that inaccurate for you without a factor affecting the result.
I hope that your unfortunate experience does not influence others from seeking this invaluable and highly recommended method for body fat testing.
Gina
jldx2in2000
Cathlete
As I stated in my post, my intent was not to dissuade anyone from getting testing done in the Bod Pod but rather to point out that like all forms of measurements, accuracy of results can vary.
I did everything I was told to do. I did not eat anything for 4 1/2 hours before the test. I did drink plain water which I was told was ok to do up to 1 1/2 hours before the test. The only jewelry I had on was a tiny wedding band (which I doubt affected the results by 10% since there is no diamonds or engraving). I wore the tighest spandex swim suit bottoms and top I could find and had the cap on that the university provided.
It is possible that there was an error by the operator during input or that the cap did not get all the air pressed out of my hair which can affect the results.
Again, I do not want to disscourage anyone from getting tested in the Bod Pod but rather wanted to share my experience that even gold standard testing can have inaccuracies.
With that, in my opinion, it makes the most sense to find whatever form of measurement you prefer and can do on a consistent basis and measure your change in body fat based on that method.
Thanks!
I did everything I was told to do. I did not eat anything for 4 1/2 hours before the test. I did drink plain water which I was told was ok to do up to 1 1/2 hours before the test. The only jewelry I had on was a tiny wedding band (which I doubt affected the results by 10% since there is no diamonds or engraving). I wore the tighest spandex swim suit bottoms and top I could find and had the cap on that the university provided.
It is possible that there was an error by the operator during input or that the cap did not get all the air pressed out of my hair which can affect the results.
Again, I do not want to disscourage anyone from getting tested in the Bod Pod but rather wanted to share my experience that even gold standard testing can have inaccuracies.
With that, in my opinion, it makes the most sense to find whatever form of measurement you prefer and can do on a consistent basis and measure your change in body fat based on that method.
Thanks!
Fit_mommy
Cathlete
That's awesome! Please come back and let us know how it went!
Bod Pod Test
Had the test done today, boy was I disappointed with 42.5% body fat. I am 5'3" and weigh around 172 but work out average 3 hours a week with Cathe mostly. I have more muscle than I have ever had in my life. I am just going to have to step it up more. The last time I was tested was at the gym just by height and weight and it was 39%. I thought surely I was better off now. Anyway, that piece of paper is the beginning of my success story!!
Had the test done today, boy was I disappointed with 42.5% body fat. I am 5'3" and weigh around 172 but work out average 3 hours a week with Cathe mostly. I have more muscle than I have ever had in my life. I am just going to have to step it up more. The last time I was tested was at the gym just by height and weight and it was 39%. I thought surely I was better off now. Anyway, that piece of paper is the beginning of my success story!!
CathydsRNA
Cathlete
Hi,
I was a part of a study a number of years ago in which three different methods of body fat determination were evaluated. At the time water displacement or under water weighing was considered the gold standard. Bod Pod technology or air displacement methods were not available. However both air and water displacement methods are fairly comparable in terms of their accuracy. In the study my body fat percentage was determined by water displacement weighing, bioelectrical impedance and caliper measurements. The water weighing is known to be the most accurate and I came in at about 30%.. Bioelectrical impedance scored at between 21-24% depending on whether I was using a handheld or a stand on device. The caliper measurements varied according to the person taking the measurements. In the study caliper measurements were taken by three separate individuals and my measurements ranged from about 13%-17% depending on the individual doing the measurements. I don't remember the exact numbers as this was a few years ago but the trend is correct
There were 25 people in the study and the results for them were also similar: water weighing showed higher body pat percentage with caliper measurements showing significantly lower fat percentages and impedance values in the middle but still underestimating fat.
The take home message is this. Both bioelectrical impedance and caliper measuring significantly underestimate body fat percentage. Additionally there was significant error in the caliper measurements.
If you are only using body fat measurements to track your progress any method is probably fine as long as you use one method consistently. If you are using calipers make certain you measure the same way. If you really want to know your accurate body fat percentage, bod pod or water displacement is the way to go but be prepared for a shock as these numbers will be significantly over your caliper and impedance measurement values.
There are a number of studies published as well. It is easy to find them by googling.
Cathy
I was a part of a study a number of years ago in which three different methods of body fat determination were evaluated. At the time water displacement or under water weighing was considered the gold standard. Bod Pod technology or air displacement methods were not available. However both air and water displacement methods are fairly comparable in terms of their accuracy. In the study my body fat percentage was determined by water displacement weighing, bioelectrical impedance and caliper measurements. The water weighing is known to be the most accurate and I came in at about 30%.. Bioelectrical impedance scored at between 21-24% depending on whether I was using a handheld or a stand on device. The caliper measurements varied according to the person taking the measurements. In the study caliper measurements were taken by three separate individuals and my measurements ranged from about 13%-17% depending on the individual doing the measurements. I don't remember the exact numbers as this was a few years ago but the trend is correct
There were 25 people in the study and the results for them were also similar: water weighing showed higher body pat percentage with caliper measurements showing significantly lower fat percentages and impedance values in the middle but still underestimating fat.
The take home message is this. Both bioelectrical impedance and caliper measuring significantly underestimate body fat percentage. Additionally there was significant error in the caliper measurements.
If you are only using body fat measurements to track your progress any method is probably fine as long as you use one method consistently. If you are using calipers make certain you measure the same way. If you really want to know your accurate body fat percentage, bod pod or water displacement is the way to go but be prepared for a shock as these numbers will be significantly over your caliper and impedance measurement values.
There are a number of studies published as well. It is easy to find them by googling.
Cathy
gillianorr
Cathlete
Some very good suggestions/feedback here. The caliper method can give accurate results if it is admisinstered properly and consistenly so try to have the same fitness professional do both repeats and followups if you can.
That said, many of my clients are raving about the Bod Pod...but are indeed a little shocked to hear the numbers especially if they have been relying on a handheld or step on bioelectrical empedence scale.
The important piece is the awareness the information brings and to then implement steps to get the body fat into a healthy range without becoming depressed or obsessed over the numbers. Change in body composition takes time...but will come with consistency!
Keep Training!
Gillian Orr
Master Trainer
New York Sports Club
gillianorrfitness.wordpress.com
That said, many of my clients are raving about the Bod Pod...but are indeed a little shocked to hear the numbers especially if they have been relying on a handheld or step on bioelectrical empedence scale.
The important piece is the awareness the information brings and to then implement steps to get the body fat into a healthy range without becoming depressed or obsessed over the numbers. Change in body composition takes time...but will come with consistency!
Keep Training!
Gillian Orr
Master Trainer
New York Sports Club
gillianorrfitness.wordpress.com
kathryn
Cathlete
Another way of getting an accurate body-fat percentage is with a DEXA scan. They are used for bone density tests, but also give other results about body composition (I'm not sure if you can ask for those as well if you get a scan for bone density).
I would assume that it would be a very accurate measure (though costly, unless it's piggy-backed onto a bone-density test that your insurance pays for).
I would assume that it would be a very accurate measure (though costly, unless it's piggy-backed onto a bone-density test that your insurance pays for).