![]() ![]() Using body circumferences to estimate body fat is quick and easy. Instructional video: Here is a video showing examples of girth measurements.The error rate can be as low as 2.5–4.5% body fat, but it can also be much higher ( 3). Accuracy: The accuracy can vary widely based on your similarity to the people used to develop the equations.Availability: A flexible measuring tape is easily available and very affordable.Disadvantages: Body circumference equations may not be accurate for all people due to differences in body shape and fat distribution.These tools can be used at home and are portable. A flexible measuring tape and calculator are all you need. Advantages: This method is easy and affordable.For women, the circumference of the hips is also included ( 5). Measuring the circumference of certain body parts is a simple method of body fat estimation.įor example, the US Army uses a body fat calculation that simply requires an individual’s age, height and a few circumference measurements.įor men, the circumferences of the neck and waist are used in this equation. However, the accuracy depends on the skill of the person performing the assessment.īody shape varies from person to person, and the shape of your body provides information about your body fat ( 4). Instructional video: Here is an example of a 7-site skinfold assessment.Įstimating body fat percentage with skinfold calipers is affordable and relatively simple once you know how to do it.Measurement errors can range from 3.5–5% body fat ( 3). Accuracy: The skill of the person performing the skinfolds can vary, impacting the accuracy.Availability: Calipers are affordable and easy to purchase online.Also, some people don’t enjoy getting their fat pinched. Disadvantages: The method requires practice and basic anatomy knowledge.They can be used at home but are also portable. Advantages: Skinfold calipers are very affordable, and measurements can be taken quickly.The specific sites used vary in men and women.įor women, the triceps, area above the hip bone and either the thigh or abdomen are used for the 3-site measurement ( 2).įor a 7-site measurement in women, the chest, area near the armpit and area beneath the shoulder blade are also measured.įor men, the 3 sites are the chest, abdomen and thigh, or the chest, triceps and area beneath the scapula ( 2).įor a 7-site measurement in men, the areas near the armpit and beneath the shoulder blade are also measured. Measurements are taken at either 3 or 7 different sites on the body. Skinfold calipers measure the thickness of your subcutaneous fat - the fat underneath the skin - at certain body locations. 8.Skinfold measurements have been used to estimate body fat for over 50 years ( 1). Weight, Height, and Selected Body Dimensions of Adults. Stoudt HW, Damon A, Mcfarland R, Roberts J.Anthropometric reference data for children and adults: United States, 2011–2014. Height, health, and inequality: the distribution of adult heights in India. Am Econ Rev. Secular trends in height in different states of India in relation to socioeconomic characteristics and dietary intakes. Lifestyle, preventive screening sex, age 2010-2013. Anthropometric Reference Data for Children and Adults: United States, 2011-2014. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: How is BMI Calculated and Interpreted?.
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