When we asked qardio. Handheld body fat monitors measure body fat by a process called bioelectrical impedance analysis or bia.
Dedication Of Bioelectric Impedance Analysis Bia Charder
Accuracy of electronic body fat measurement. Body fat scales use a technology called bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure body fat. Five of the body fat scales read weight accurately but one the qardio qardiobase which happened to be one of the priciest routinely overestimated weight by 6 to 10 pounds. Body fat can also be estimated using cross sectional imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging mri nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and computerized tomography ct. The best and worst ways to measure body fat. A 2016 study found that the bia method of measuring body composition is accurate when using. 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.
Fat is a poor conductor of electricity compared to other components of the body such as muscle. However they are not very accurate. According to the american college of sports medicine bia measures body fat with the same. Measurement errors can range from 355 body fat. A small unnoticeable electrical current is sent from one foot up one leg and down the other leg. Its usually used for bone density testing but its also considered one of the most accurate ways to measure body fat 2 this is a verified and trusted source shape.
Available in countless models body fat scales use a technology called bioelectrical impedance to estimate how much body fat you have. That is if the omron puts you at 15 body fat it could really be anywhere between 229 and 71. Body fat scales provide a rough estimate of a persons bfp. The most reliable method of measuring body fat in highly trained athletes is to measure skinfold thickness and compare the average of readings taken at 6 to 8 different places on the body to. These scans can provide the most precise body composition measurements especially for intra abdominal fat measurement. The skill of the person performing the skinfolds can vary impacting the accuracy.
Dexa or dxa stands for dual emission x ray absorptiometry. Of the three bioelectrical impedance analysis devices they tested the omron hbf 306 single frequency hand to hand electrodes had the largest error rate for estimating body fat percentage clocking in at 79.