Archive for Skeletal Muscles
Body Composition Scale – Body Fat Measuring
Posted by: | CommentsBody Composition Scale – Body Fat Measuring
There are basically four major methods of measuring body fat. They include the Navy Method, Home Body Fat Scales, Skinfold Calipers and Hydrostatic Weighing. In this article we will look at the three that are most commonly used.
Home Body Fat Scales – This device measures body fat using the Bio metrical Impedance method. A very small electrical current is passed through your body and the resistance is measured. When this result is compared to the weight, the percentage of body fat can then be determined.
This test is prone to error however; because the impedance in the body is altered by other body parts that also generate some current. One example is the electrical waves in the heart and the skeletal muscles. Other factors include water in your body, your skin temperature and physical activity. In order to get semi reliable results you should also fast for 3-4 hours before the test, and avoid any form of physical activity at least 12 hours before the test.
Probably the most popular method of body fat testing is the Skin Fold Caliper test. This test should be performed by someone trained in this method. You can do it yourself but it is not recommended. If you just have to do it without professional help, I recommend getting a set of Accumeasure calipers. These are quite accurate if you follow the provided directions closely. Your skin is pinched between the calipers and a measurement is taken. After taking measurements from different parts of the body; they are plugged into a formula and your body fat is determined.
Hydrostatic weighing is the most accurate way to measure body fat. If you studied physics in school then you are familiar with the Archimedes Principle. The principle states that an objects density is proportional to the amount of water it displaces when submerged. The tester will submerge the subject in a Hydrostatic weighing tank and measure the displacement. The tester then calculates the subjects body density. Body fat is then determined by a formula based on your body density. This method takes the longest and is probably the most complicated; but it still remains the most accurate.
Why bother with measuring your body fat anyway? After all, it seems like a lot of trouble. Knowledge of the exact amount of fat in your body can help you set realistic goals for your weight loss plans. Body fat is an important element in successful weight control. You will be objective and scientific choosing the program that is the best way for you to lose weight. Keeping track of fat loss is the same as watching your calorie intake or getting on scales and checking your weight. Fat measurement is the only way you can objectively track the success or progress of your weight loss program.
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Body Composition Scale – How to Calculate Body Fat
Posted by: | CommentsBody Composition Scale – How To Calculate Body Fat
Body fat can be calculated by four basic techniques such as, Fat Scale Home Body, Hydrostatic Weighing Skinfold Caliper and Navy Method. However, our task is to pay attention to three, most often used.
Home Body Fat Scales technique evaluates the amount of body fat by method of Biometrical Impedance. By this method an enormously low voltage current is passed through our body and the opposing current is measured. Upon coming to the result and comparing it with the actual body weight, the exact percentage of body fat is determined.
However, this method may not work well occasionally, since the resistance of our body is affected by various factors which create some current along with body fat, such as skin temperature, skeletal muscles, the body water, electrical waves of heart, and physical work out. In order to avoid that an individual needs a rest of 4-5 hours, without doing any physical exercise 12 hours before the method is used.
Skinfold Caliper is another useful technique to calculate body fat conducted with the usage of calipers. This is the cheapest technique for measuring body fat. However, in order to achieve the best results, the procedure should be done correctly by an expert.
Hydrostatic Weighing, previously known as under water weighing, is the most precise technique to calculate body fat, on condition you provide a hydrostatic weighing tank. It is necessary to know Archimedes Principle in order to understand this technique. It would be even better if you knew some physics too. The mass of your body is calculated by measuring the amount of water that you relocate while you are in the water. It happens because the amount of water relocated when the body totally or partially gets into the water is equivalent or proportional to the weight of that body. Depending on the body density, the method calculates body fat. The only problem that might crop up is how to find a hydrostatic weighing tank.
On the whole, the main question is why should we bother about calculating body fat?
An important constituent of a successful weight loss diet plan is body fat. Before you decide to go on a diet it is necessary to understand scientific aspects of your weight loss program. That means you should know the inventory of your body fat and the time it needs to lose some portion. Besides this, you should get information about the amount of calories you need to reduce for achieving the goal. How to calculate body fat correctly is the first and foremost step in your pursue of weight loss goals.
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Body Composition Scale – Body Fat – How Is Yours?
Posted by: | Comments‘Body fat’ is a common term. However, many people link this term to obesity, cholesterol and an unhealthy constitution. While excess body fat content can cause many severe problems, the body requires a certain amount of body fat for various metabolic and structural functions.
Body fat is created in the body through the absorption of fats in the foods you eat. As the body breaks down these fats, two byproducts are released into the body – glycerol and fatty acids. The liver processes glycerol into glucose and stores it as a stock of energy. Fatty acids provide energy for all major tissues, especially for the heart muscles and the skeletal muscles. So, it is very important to include the correct amount of fatty substances in the diet.
Here are a few major functions of body fats:
* Body fats help to maintain healthy skin and hair.
* Adequate body fat allows you to maintain the right body temperature.
* Body fats are the sources of energy in the body.
* Body fats are necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of cells.
* Body fats provide cushioning for organs and tissues.
* Body fats act as a shock absorber for bones.
* The body will not absorb many vital vitamins like A, E, D and K unless they combine with fats.
* Body fats are also believed to act as immunity boosters to protect the body from ailments.
Excess Body Fat – Why Is It Undesirable?
While the body cannot function smoothly without body fat, you must remember that too much body fat can adversly affect the systems of the body. The fats absorbed by the body but not immediately needed do not burn off but get stored in the body. Such accumulation of body fats may lead to obesity that can then set off many other health issues like breathing difficulties, arthritis and heart disease.
To prevent problems associated with excess body fat, one must know the current body fat percentage in the body and the ideal percentage required. According to the American Council on Exercise, body fat should ideally constitute– – 17 percent of the total body weight of a man and for women, body fat should be around 21 – 24 percent of total body weight.
With the various fat measurement techniques available today, it is very easy to keep track of your body fat percentage and take steps to a healthy lifestyle. Four fat measurement methods are Home Body Fat Scales, Navy Method, Hydrostatic Weighing and Skinfold Calipers. Knowing the exact fat percentage in your body can help in setting realistic weight loss plans.
Is Weight Loss the Same as Body Fat Loss?
Weight loss and body fat reduction are two completely different concepts. Consider an instance of two individuals the same age – an athletically built person and a normal person. Due to the extra weight of muscles, the athletic person may weigh more than his counterpart. However, the second person’s weight may be related to a higher content of body fat. The normal person will be more vulnerable to weight-related issues than the athletic person. Therefore, it is important to lose body fat rather than trying to lose body weight. With new methods that measure body fat percentage, you can get an accurate report of your body fat and the amount you must lose or gain to remain fit and healthy.
When trying weight loss plans to lose body fat, it is best to adopt a plan that combines a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and a minimum of processed carbohydrates with a good exercise regimen. You should keep the body fat levels to the ideal levels and enjoy more health and happiness in your life.
HealthStatus.com has free calculators to determine your body fat percentage. Click to see the body fat calculator, and ideal weight as well as many other easy to use interactive health tools.
