Handheld BodyFat Analyzer :: inaccurate readings!

Monkey · 07-Apr-05, 09:01 PM

ok so i just bought the Taylor Hand Held BodyFat Analyzer and its WAY OFF!!!

when i was wrestling, the bodyfat tests we took with the pinch calipers measured that i had 10% fat, but with the Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) thing i just bought, it says i am 24% BF which is crap....

how the heck can i be 24% bf when i can see my abs?!

someone give me their opinion on this

**MostMuscle** · 07-Apr-05, 09:23 PM

Results via bioelectrical impedance, while fast and easy, can be thrown off quite a bit through facters such as hydration levels, electrolyte levels, eating times, movement while taking the test and persperation rates.

It is even less accurate for those who have significant muscle mass.

Don't get caught up in the numbers too much, if you have abs then you know you are certainly not 24%.

Monkey · 07-Apr-05, 10:18 PM

yeah MOSTMUSCLE i have quite a lot of muscle mass....what can i do to make
these readings more accurate? because i just paid $20 for it and i want to use it like i inteded to.

Octagon · 07-Apr-05, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkey

...and i want to use it like i inteded to.

Unless you intended on using it to set fire to a twenty dollar bill I'd say you're outta luck

**MostMuscle** · 07-Apr-05, 10:42 PM

I have to agree with Octagon. You cannot expect much from a $20 device.

Monkey · 07-Apr-05, 11:27 PM

ok then, how am i supposed to measure my bodyfat %?

08-Apr-05, 04:54 AM

While your product sucks at measuring body fat it will be able to tell you what direction your body fat is going. Been dieting or bulking? It will tell you if your gains/losses are fat or muscle. Think of it as a guide which points the direction you are taking, rather than a measuring device. .

**MostMuscle** · 08-Apr-05, 08:22 AM

Ironman has a good point. As long as the device is consistent, it can give you an idea on whether your BF is going up or down.

**cursor** · 08-Apr-05, 10:59 AM

Consistency is the key in using a bioelectrical impedance device to help monitor your fitness level. Obviously there is no need to use the device (or even a body-weight scale) every day. I would recommend that you pick one time during the week to perform your measurements (both scale and body fat level). To ensure the most effective reading, you'll want to make the circumstances as consistent as possible. Here are some recommendations:

Pick one day of the week (say, Sunday).
Measure right after a good night's sleep.
Use the bathroom first.
Have no clothes on.
Before a shower (or adding any moisture/weight)

Don't forget to log your readings.

Octagon · 08-Apr-05, 02:52 PM

Given the wide margins of error in any home (and school, health club and docs office, for that matter) BF testing and your already low BF% I wouldn't even get my hopes up about tracking anything but really gross trends over periods of months.

That being the case, you'd be just as well served relying on a tape measure and/or your eyes.

**cursor** · 08-Apr-05, 03:58 PM

Just as a point of reference for those who do have low body fat levels, Clarence Bass uses a Tanita scale (and swears by it's consistency). He maintains a body fat level of between 4.5–6.5% (even at 65 years old). He insists that by ensuring consistency in weighing conditions, bioelectrical impedance devices can offer very meaningful feedback.

Gilogy · 08-Apr-05, 04:11 PM

I've been considering getting one. I have calipers but I don't believe I'm using them correctly and don't trust the readings I'm getting.

At least with the analyzer, I may be assured of consistency.

Octagon · 08-Apr-05, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilogy

At least with the analyzer, I may be assured of consistency.

Indeed, it will be wrong every time

Monkey · 08-Apr-05, 05:19 PM

it seems that the analyzer uses your weight, height and age to calculate my bodyfat percentage as well.

I entered my actual weight, height, and age at first (150 lb, 5'7", and 17 years old) and i got a reading of 24% BF, but when i entered (5'3", 88lb, and 15 years), i got a reading of about 11% BF.

i am guessing that the analyzer uses a lot of BMI calculation as well in order to find my bodyfat, and i dont like that.

By using the different weight, height, and age, i was able to change my reading. this shouldnt happen since its supposed to use "electrical signals" to calculate my bodyfat, not how much i weigh and what my height is.

**cursor** · 08-Apr-05, 07:25 PM

I just found a single reference on Clarence Bass' site where he refers to his Tanita scale and body fat levels (search the page for 'tanita'): http://www.cbass.com/TRIGLYCE.HTM

In a VHS video that I purchased from Clarence, he explains how he uses the scale: Ripped – The Video