trainingMark: What the best way to measure body fat?
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Directed to Mark Gilbert.
Hi Mark,
I was wondering what the best way to measure body fat so I can keep track of how my training and diet is going? Also, where the best place to go to find that out?
I was wondering what the best way to measure body fat so I can keep track of how my training and diet is going? Also, where the best place to go to find that out?
By Callum Mcwhirter – about 1 year ago
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Note: This question was directed to Mark Gilbert but public responses are welcome!
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The only reliable body fat testing methods are underwater weighing and DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry). Unfortunately, these are only available in hospitals and in scientific research facilities. The best way to track your changes in body fat is to have an experienced person do a 5 or 7 point caliper measurement. This method is not great for actually predicting body fat levels but if it is done properly, it measures changes in body fat very accurately.
Most of the electronic scales available are not accurate - especially for people who have very high or very low body fat. I remember when I was extremely lean (the amount of fat on my abs was about the same as the amount of fat on a lean persons forearm) and a body fat scale registered a reading of 12.7% fat (I was probably closer to 4%).
So really all of the ultra-low body fat numbers you hear about are probably not accurate and unless someone has access to underwater weighing or DEXA, they don't actually know their body fat and are guessing.
Nutritionist and Supplement Specialist