Since the electrical current flows more quickly through water and muscle than bone or fat the scale measures the speed of the current. Bioelectrical impedance analysis has been added to traditional bathroom scales. Most of these types of scales use bioelectrical impedance. Then multiply by 703. For example a 140 pound 5 foot 6 inch person has a bmi of 226 140 divided by 66. When you step on sensors on the scale an imperceptible electrical current passes up one leg across the pelvis and then down the other leg.
To calculate your bmi divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared. The term body composition refers to the relative percentages of fat muscle and water. Body fat scales are devices that a person can use to measure their weight and body composition at home. Although a scale is a useful tool in measuring weight loss it is limited to evaluating only one component. No body fat test be it body fat percentage scales dexa or skinfold calipers can accurately measure how much fat you have. Often used by fitness professionals calipers are used to literally pinch your skin folds usually around the.
Dual energy x ray absorptiometry dexa scans. When it comes to health risks related to being overweight fat is the culprit. Heinberg but its best not to get caught up in trying to measure every day fluctuations. Other ways to measure body fat waist measurements. Skinfold calipers measure the thickness of your subcutaneous fat the fat underneath the skin at certain body locations. Measuring body fat percentage is a better indicator of how well your diet and exercise program is working.
That is to say they send a safe and very low electrical current through the lower half of the body. Measurements are taken at either 3 or 7 different sites on the body. The scales send a harmless electrical current up through your body to read the amount. The only way to measure your body fat is to have it stripped out placed on a scale and weighed. Measuring your waistline can help complement your body fat scale results. Available in countless models body fat scales use a technology called bioelectrical impedance to estimate how much body fat you have.
Body fat percentage data can be helpful at the beginning of a weight loss journey says dr. How do body fat scales work.