A skin fold test is done using a tool called calipers to pinch different areas of your body and measure. Sure a bathroom scale tells you how much you weigh but that number doesnt always tell the whole story. Hydrostatic weighing is an incredibly accurate technique for measuring body composition. A basic way to measure body fat percentage is by using a soft tape measure like the kind youd use for. For example the us army uses a body fat calculation that simply requires an individuals age height. With it healthcare professionals can measure bone density muscle and body fat.
Dexa is as convenient for patients as laying on a table for a procedure that lasts mere minutes. For that reason many experts refer to hydrostatic weighing as the gold standard for measuring body composition. That body fat measurement includes visceral fat making dexa testing an invaluable weapon for combating the deadly condition. Calipers are the cheapest easiest and most portable method to measure body fat in specific areas. Measuring the circumference of certain body parts is a simple method of body fat estimation. Using at least three spots on your body chest abs and thigh are often used pinch the skin pulling the muscle away from the fat and measure the fold with the calipers.
Always test on the same side. The technique uses tried and true variables that feature a low percentage of error. A thin person can still have an unhealthy amount of body fat lurking beneath their skin. Its also commonly used in research settings. 6 ways to measure body fat percentage 1.