The human body is composed of many parts making up a persons total body weight – the number you see on the scale. This number however doesn’t show the entire picture. Body composition refers to the different components that make up a persons total weight. These components include lean weight – which includes muscles, bone, organs and water – and body fat. Body composition is expressed as a percent of body fat mass and percent of lean body mass. These numbers help to paint a more accurate picture. Measuring body fat is a more reliable measurement than body mass index, which was discussed previously.
The chart below shows body fat percentage categories for women and men:
There are several methods available to calculate body fat percentages. Some of the more popular ones include: skin-fold test, bioelectrical impedance and underwater weighing.
The skin-fold test is by far the easiest and cheapest method available to determine body fat levels. It is performed by measuring skin-fold thickness – a measure of fat under the skin – at specific locations on the body. When performed properly, it can be up to 98% accurate.
Available on the market today are scales that not only measure body weight, but take it one step further and measure body fat. These scales use what is called bioelectrical impedance to analyze the tissue in the body. A low-level, safe, electrical current travels through the body – quickly through the lean tissue and more slowly through fat tissue –which allows a calculation of fat and lean mass. While there are many factors that can affect the scale’s readings including hydration levels and food intake, if you follow the directions and take the reading under similar conditions, you will obtain the best results.
Underwater weighing is by far the most accurate way to measure body fat. It is also the most cumbersome and least viable option for most people. It involves being weighed underwater and requires one to be completely submerged for a few seconds.
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