Okay, you've had your body fat tested. How much faith should you put in the results? I'll answer this question in today's Simple Truth Fitness minute (STFM).

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See my STFM on why body composition matters http://bit.ly/2pDnUZe -AND- see my other STFM for which body fat test I say is "best." http://bit.ly/34CqTQh

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In no particular order the big five methods are:

  • Underwater weighing; hydrodensitometry

  • Skinfold with calipers

  • Bodpod

  • DXA; dual energy x-ray absorptiometry

  • BIA; bioelectrical impedance analysis;

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Regardless of the method all body fat tests are estimates and only as good as the instrument operator, the calibration of the device and whether the recommended testing protocols were followed.

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At the boots on the ground level, if I were you and I wanted to know my body composition for the sake of assessment of health and fitness (a good idea by the way) I'd get a quality home bath scale that also measures body fat. It'll use the BIA method. I'd follow the instructions for getting the most accurate reading (i.e., not right after showering, or right after eating, or right after working out etc). I'd step on it daily at the same time of day in my same condition (nude) for 7 days. I'd see if the numbers are reasonably close and if not I'd eliminate the really high and the really low one. Then I'd average the remaining 5 and call it a day.

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But! If after doing that I was pretty sure something was way off? Like I've got solid six-pack abs and it says I'm 40% body fat? Then I'm going to find a place that offers DXA and get a full scan done. You can search for DXA scan locations here --> http://bit.ly/2Jup8fO

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DXA could still be off depending on a host of factors but it is the research gold standard and it's likely I'll get a relatively accurate reading. Plus, as a bonus, I'll know my bone density and have a more accurate view of my skeletal muscle mass, not just fat-free mass (which includes bone and everything other than fat).

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If I couldn't find a DXA location then I'd probably find an InBody location. Their high-end scales are also BIA based (like the home bath scales) but the sensors are both at the feet AND hands and, at least anecdotally, word-on-the-street, they are more reliable than a home scale. Find an InBody location starting here  --> http://bit.ly/

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