How do you measure/estimate body fat percentage?

Bob Sacamano · #1 (**permalink**) Jan. 24/06, 01:26 PM

I have no idea how this is done.

Muck · #2 (**permalink**) Jan. 24/06, 01:56 PM

Calipers, water displacement, etc.

I think the best way.. is to look in the mirror. You can see if you're making progress or not.

R.Lewis · #3 (**permalink**) Jan. 24/06, 03:06 PM

Yeah, I agree with muck.

The more muscle you put on, then less accurate body fat % will be.

There are stupid ways of checking using your hight and weight etc... but they are no good.

Basicly -
10% - if you have a firm 6pack
15% - if you can see your six pack slightly.
20% - if your stomach is not flat, but not big.
25% - if your stomach hangs over your trousers.

Thats not accurate at all, but its all you need to know really.

**malkore** · #4 (**permalink**) Jan. 25/06, 06:45 AM

ManofKent: The more muscle you have doesn't make body fat % inaccurate. You're confusing that with BMI.

A bodybuilder of 244lbs with 4% bodyfat has the same 'obese' BMI number as a 244lb person with 38% bodyfat.

R.Lewis · #5 (**permalink**) Jan. 25/06, 10:02 AM

sorry I was talking about the online calculators.
The more muscle you put on the less accurate the online calculators are.
This is cos they go by hight, weight and waist size.