View Full Version : Body Fat %
I just got done getting my body fat tested. It was done by a handheld device you hold onto and it says what it is. what variables are in that if any? Reason I ask is I've been at 188 lbs and 16% body fat for about 3-4 months. I work out 4-5 days per week, eating right and using the same body fat tester each time and today I was showing 19%!!!! I'm smaller in the waist, 2 inches bigger in chest, 1 inch in biceps and legs in 1 months time. With it being electrostatic type deal will water have a lot to do with it? All variables are the same. I test at the same time of day, after i workout. When should I test this to get the most accuracy? This is the only tester i have access to. Please someone let me know. HELP BROTHERS!!!
NumeroUno
01-16-07, 3:27 pm
I know a couple of people that my gym say that it can change depending on who does the tests. Most people are flabbier in one section than another(back fat, ab fat, etc). Get the same person to do it, if it comes out wierd tell him to do it again.
-Dainel
Yo!
You should realize that its not 100% accurate. If you want it to be as accurate as possible you shouldnt have worked out for 24h. You should do it in the afternoon. It depends on how much salt you have been eating and how much water you have been drinking. Now, you did it after you worked out so your body has lost a lot of water so the readings are probably worse than they should have been. Go and buy a calipper, its much more accurate as it doesnt matter how much water you have in the body. Keep working hard!
thanks guys! I know they arent too accurate, but I just didnt know what to do/not to do with those testers. sounds like calipers are the way i need to go.
TheNaturalG
01-16-07, 4:29 pm
Alot of people think that the 15-20% range is really fat, but they are wrong. If you don't have a 6 pack or much muscle seperation don't be suprised if you are 19% or in that range.
You had it measured by bioelectrical impedence, which is one of the worst ways. That can be off by anywhere from 6-15%. It sends a low-level electrical current through your body and the resistance to flow (impedence) is measured. Anything from skin temperature, recent activity level, and hydration levels can severely throw that off. The cheapest & most convenient, while still having fairly good accuracy is by using a skinfold caliper. I personally have used hydrostatic weighing a lot as it has the best accuracy next to DEXA.
Those handhelders are ok, but you should think about getting the digital calipers that take more than one reading. The one i have you have to measure 3 different points on your body, still even those are not foolproof.