Fat Loss Monitor

[Java Cafe]

In this forum, I have a feeling, I may get scolded for bringing this up. I'll still persevere. I am sure these are not (and can never be) as accurate as measurements made through displacement methods and such. But, are they *completely* ineffective? I mean, would they at least be as accurate as analog bathroom weighing scales?

I do not need microscopic precision, But I'd *love* to be able to monitor my progress. And the other methods of measuring body fat, like going to the gym, having someone else spend lots of time on me with calipers, or having me floating around in tubs, I am just not going to be able to get myself to that point. Here are three models from Amazon:

Omron HBF-306

Omron HBF-306C

Omron Hand Held

Do any of you have experience with these? Are there other models (or devices) that I can use conveniently (preferably within the privacy of my home)?

Thanks.

 

[imported_Irse]

To me, if you just want to monitor your progress, a camera and a mirror is fine. Take a before picture then take pictures at certain intervals and compare, and look in the mirror and be as objective as possible.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

One of the big problems with those is that they can often depend on hydration levels and such. Because of that, I personally wouldn't use them, but if keep your body under similar conditions when you take the test each time, it should give an estimate within a few % of your true BF.

P.S.: They don't work very well on you if you have a remotely low BF %. I was at ~12% and it gave me error at least 30 times.

 

[Goi]

If you don't need accuracy, why would you need to get a bf% reading? If tracking progress is your goal, a tape measure of various circumferences around your body would be a very good way of accomplishing that goal. Also, like Irse mentioned, a camera and a mirror are also great.

 

[GenHoth]

This is what I use
http://home.fuse.net/clymer/bmi/

 

[KoolDrew]

Why not just buy a cheap set of calipers and learn how to use them? Cheaper and more accurate.

 

[Java Cafe]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
Why not just buy a cheap set of calipers and learn how to use them? Cheaper and more accurate.

Where do would you recommend I buy one from? And, what would be some recommended ways of learning how to use them (short of asking someone for a demonstration)? Any books, web sites?

Thanks, much.

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: Java Cafe

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
Why not just buy a cheap set of calipers and learn how to use them? Cheaper and more accurate.

Where do would you recommend I buy one from? And, what would be some recommended ways of learning how to use them (short of asking someone for a demonstration)? Any books, web sites?

Tons of different places sell them. The Accumeasure 3000 is probably the most popular because of it's very low price. However, I prefer the Slim Guide, which is slightly more expensive but I think it's worth it because it's spring loaded, which takes a little bit of guesswork out of it. A lot of places sell the caliper with MyoTape for not much more as well, which I suggest getting for tape measurements. Whatever you do just avoid the digital "Fat Track" caliper.

As for the procedure, there's plenty of sites outlining it and many have calculators as well. This site has calculators and sells them.

I'd use the Parrillo Method as it will likely be more accurate than others. If you don't care about accuracy and just want to track progress, just make sure to stick with whatever method you choose to remain consistent.

 

[Java Cafe]

Thanks, Kool. Much appreciated.

 

[CycloWizard]

I bought one of these scales a little over a year ago (on sale at Wally World®). The body fat is highly correlated with hydration. If I don't drink as much water one day, my (apparent) body fat percent can go up by up to 4%. I still use it as a useful qualitative measure, but you can only get an apples-to-apples comparison if you compare two data points at the same hydration level, and even that I would take with a grain of salt.