Body fat and calipers | Community Forum

firespark301.99RPOriginal post

7d ago

I get that the only perfectly accurate method is to dissect someone and weigh fat separately from muscle. Aside from that, I've heard underwater (hydrostatic) weighing is reliable. How much faith do you put in bathroom scales that estimate body-fat? Are skinfold calipers a better option? Should I see a professional? How can I get a decent measurement, and what's the most cost-effective, reasonably accurate way to check regularly?

5 replies

midnightash258.48RP

6d ago

Don't overthink it. Diet down until your abs show good separation, then bulk back up until you near losing that definition. If you want a precise reading, get a DEXA scan. You could also use the Navy circumference method along with calipers and take an average. Body-fat scales are often off by maybe around 5%.

scotto1.7RP

6d ago

I only heard about the DEXA scan yesterday, so I'll look into it. Thanks. I also like the idea of using several methods and averaging them — that's a smart approach.

shirleyz12.55RP

6d ago

The exact percentage matters less than how you look in the mirror. Same with the number on the scale. Those body-composition scales are useful for spotting trends even if the absolute number is off. Weigh under the same conditions and at the same time to track direction. Try to keep your daily water intake consistent—treat it like another macro—to reduce hydration-driven swings.

basementflex5.3RP

6d ago

If you book a DEXA at BodySpec there's a referral code/link that saves $10 for both people: https://www.bodyspec.com/r/ItzKBr

justina11.8RP

6d ago

My scale reads roughly 8.5% higher than my DEXA result. I'll check if that gap changes at the next scan. Pleasant surprise to learn I was leaner than the scale suggested!