Body Fat Testing
How much fat do you have?
When it comes to tracking weight loss, most of us rely on the scale to tell us whether we've lost or gained weight. This isn't the best way to keep track of your weight. A scale measures everything including muscle, fat, bones, and what you ate or drank that day. It doesn't tell you what you really need to know.
The most common body fat test uses the skinfold caliper, a device that pinches your skin, pulling your fat away from your muscles and bones. You feel moderate discomfort, like when someone pinches your cheek. Typically, three or four different sites on your body, such as your abdomen, arm, and back. The thickness of each pinch is plugged into a formula to determine your subcutaneous body fat level.
Body Fat Categories for Women
10-12% - Essential Fat14-20% - Athletic Fat Levels
21-24% - Fitness Fat Levels
25-31% - Acceptable Fat Levels
>32% - Obese
Body Fat Categories for Men
2-4% - Essential Fat6-13% - Athletic Fat Levels
4-17% - Fitness Fat Levels
18-25% - Acceptable Fat levels
>26% - Obese