

The BMI and other so-called “field methods”-among them, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, skinfold thicknesses, and bioelectrical impedance-are useful in clinics and community settings, as well as in large research studies.Doctors can easily calculate BMI from the heights and weights they gather at each checkup BMI tables and online calculators also make it easy for individuals to determine their own BMIs. The most basic method, and the most common, is the body mass index (BMI).What’s the best way to determine whether a body is fat or fit? Body fat can be measured in several ways, with each body fat assessment method having pros and cons. (2013).From Calipers to CAT Scans, Ten Ways to Tell Whether a Body Is Fat or Lean Air-displacement plethysmography for the measurement of body composition in children aged 6–48 months. Percent body fat calculator: Skinfold method (n.d.).Evaluation of a rotary laser body scanner for body volume and fat assessment. Bioelectrical impedance analysis - part I: Review of principles and methods. The official positions of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry: Indications of use and reporting of DXA for body composition. Assessment of adult body composition using bioelectrical impedance: Comparison of researcher calculated to machine outputted values. ACSM body composition (% body fat) for men and women.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. It is important to note that skinfold measurements vary widely, and body fat distribution can differ, based on race, age, sex, and physical activity. People can then enter these measurements into an online calculator, which estimates body fat percentage. It is important for people to take the measurements at the same sites each time. Females should measure skinfolds on the triceps, thigh, and just above the hip bone. Males should measure skinfolds on the chest, thigh, and abdomen. Due to differences in body fat distribution, males and females need to take measurements in different areas.

It requires a person to use calipers to measure the thickness of skinfolds. Measuring the thickness of skinfolds in different areas of the body can help a person estimate their body fat percentage.Īccording to the American Council on Exercise, this method provides fairly accurate results. The body stores a large amount of fat directly beneath the skin. Share on Pinterest A person can estimate their body fat percentage by measuring the thickness of skinfolds in different areas of the body.
