How to Best Measure Body Fat Percentage
You may have a scale at home or at the gym that claims to measure your body fat percentage. While these devices are convenient, they are not as accurate when it comes to estimating the body fat percentage and can be influenced by factors like hydration levels, body temperature, or even the time of day.
If you’re serious about getting an exact number, here are some methods ranked from most to least accurate:
DEXA Scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry)
The gold standard for accuracy. It provides detailed insights into body fat, lean muscle, and bone density.
Hydrostatic Weighing
Measures body composition by assessing water displacement when submerged.
Bod Pod
A device that calculates body fat using air displacement.
Skinfold Calipers
Relatively accurate when performed by a trained professional but can vary based on skill.
Bioelectrical Impedance (e.g., gym or home scales)
Convenient but prone to inconsistencies due to external factors.
