Is it possible to calculate body fat? The good old-fashioned tape measure is one of the ways to do it. We will tell you how to calculate body fat, but first, why bother?

It is not just the amount of fat you have that can increase your risk of health problems. Belly fat is linked to a higher risk of diabetes, as well as high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease, according to a new study. Regular exercise can help you get in shape if you fall into the latter category.

Body fat can be different between males and females, as well as age and ethnicity, according to a registered Dietitian. Body fat is an indicator of your health and fitness, but it is not the only factor. Your health status can only be determined by this measurement. Talk to your healthcare professional if you're worried about your body composition.

Denby says that body fat is a crucial part of our wellbeing. It protects our vital organs and provides a store of energy. The heart is covered in a layer of fat, which protects it against damage.

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Our organs are vulnerable to injury if we don't have this fat. leptin is involved in regulating our appetite and is produced by body fat.

There are many ways to assess the levels of body fat in the body, from manual calculations to high tech dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. The reliability of these methods varies with high tech options giving much more accurate results.

Calipers being used on person's stomach

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There are a lot of handheld tools. They work by pinching and measuring the fat in different parts of the body.

Denby says that the method can be uncomfortable and intrusive. It requires specialized training and a knowledge of the body.

Smart scales

Person standing on smart scales

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Body composition scales, also known as smart scales, are very easy to use. Sending a very low level electrical current through your body is what they do. Scales shouldn't be used if you have a pacemaker or osteoporosis

When the signal passes through fat, it faces resistance, known as impedance, because it contains a lot of fluids and electrolytes. Body fat can be measured using the scales.

A lot of the high tech scales on the market have different levels of accuracy. Poorly hydrated fat-free tissue can have an increased resistance and result in a higher than predicted value.

One study found that the size of feet on the scales could affect results. Smart scales are a good starting point for someone who just wants a rough idea of their body composition.

Circumference measurements

Cropped shot of senior man measuring waist

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Denby says that waist circumference or hip-to-waist ratio is the most inexpensive way to calculate body fat. This doesn't require a lot of training because it's used to measure around the hips.

Since abdominal fat is linked to increased heart disease risk, it's a good idea to measure waist circumference. Accurate measurement can be lacking if they are taken in different places. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the hip-to-waist ratio is a more reliable measure of body composition.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)

According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, DEXA is a good method for calculating body fat. A highly accurate tool for measuring body composition is the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. The DEXA Scan uses two low energy X-ray beams to penetrate the bone and soft tissue to a depth of 30 cm. DEXA scans give a high level of accuracy when assessing bone mineral composition as well as body fat and lean mass levels.

Denby says that the "gold standard" for measuring body composition isDEXA. In an ideal world, this machine would be used exclusively, but it is expensive to operate and not portable. The amount of radiation exposure is small. This method is not as intrusive as skinfold calipers, but may feel a bit daunting at first.

Hydrodensitometry

Person underwater

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When it came to measuring body composition, hydrodensitometry was the gold standard before more advanced methods were developed.

A person wearing a nylon swimsuit and sitting in a light plastic tube chair will be submerged in water for the test. The weight of the chair, the swimsuit and the amount of air in the lungs are taken into account to ensure a more accurate measurement. The method of calculating body volume and body fat has been found to be a valid and reliable one.

The method can make people nervous if they don't like water, since you have to submerge into the water. This method is expensive to operate and not easily accessible to most people since training is required.

Air displacement

The total displacement of air when a person is inside is measured using an enclosed 750L Pod. The total air will be measured when the Pod is open and closed. The lung volume can be subtracted from the final result if the person takes two to three breaths in the Pod.

The method of assessing body fat has been shown to be more effective in adults than in children, but not with children.

Denby says that people who dislike small spaces may find it hard to live in it. Results can be altered by clothing worn. The method's accuracy varied depending on the individual's body composition status, with lean people having body fat underestimated while obese people have it underestimated. This method costs a lot and isn't widely available.

Best way to measure body fat

Which method is the best for calculating body fat? High-tech methods for assessing body composition are more accurate than manual ones, but they may be cost prohibitive and accessibility may be limited.

The skinfold and circumference method doesn't provide the most accurate result, but taking subsequent measurement can track differences in body fat and body fat distribution, and may be a powerful combination in tracking changes over time.

As long as hydration status can be ensured, smart scales can be used to monitor body composition, but it's not seen as accurate for assessing absolute body fat percentage.

Further reading

Whole body air displacement is compared with hydrodensitometry.

Percentage body fat, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-stature ratio are compared in adults.

There is an observational study on the accuracy of smart scales on weight and body composition.

There are symptoms and causes of metabolic syndrome.

The body composition is in the new tab.

The method uses a small tank and total lung capacity.