In part 1 of this series you learned about how body fat testing is a prediction not a measurement. Dual energy x ray absorptiometry dexa the pitfalls of body fat measurement the final chapter.
The Pitfalls Of Body Fat Measurement Part 1 Weightology
The pitfalls of body fat measurement. Even the best techniques have a 4 5 error rate when measuring change over time. Dexa dxa scan bod pod test underwater weighing. Bioelectrical impedance bia bia is one of the quickest and easiest methods for predicting body fat. However the convienience of this method comes at a price of accuracy. The pitfalls of body fat measurement part 5. Given the error rate for measuring change over time theres a good chance those numbers are way off.
In part 2 you learned about underwater weighing and in part 3 you learned about the bod pod. The pitfalls of body fat measurement part 3. So an athlete with a lot of muscle for example could have a higher bmi based on their weight and height. On average underwater weighing underpredicts meaning it gives you lower body fat percentages than a 4 compartment model body fat percentage by 01 to 12 although one study showed an overprediction in young women of 21. There are several techniques you could use to measure body fat. The lower your body fat percentage the higher percentage of lean muscle mass you have on your frame.
Overall thats pretty good. Bmi does not differentiate between these. Skinfolds the pitfalls of body fat measurement part 6. The downside to relying on bmi is that it doesnt measure body fat. Body composition testing or body fat testing measures the amount of body fat and fat free mass also referred to as lean tissue muscle mass body water bone and organs in the body. Experts rate the best and worst in body fat measurement devices.
Dual energy x ray absorptiometry dexa. Now lets talk about bia. This means to accurately detect a decrease in body fat in most people the body fat percentage needs to drop by a minimum of 4 5. Skinfolds the pitfalls of body fat measurement part 6. Bod pod the pitfalls of body fat measurement part 5. Disadvantages of bmi testing your body weight includes a number of components such as muscle mass fat internal organs water and skeletal weight.
Here are the 10 best ways to measure your body fat percentage. Also the cdc says.