Although many scales measure body mass index bmi these two metrics are not the same. Bioelectrical impedance analysis bia is a relatively simple quick and non invasive technique to measure body composition.
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Body fat measurement bia. Bioelectrical impedance analysis bia is a commonly used method for estimating body composition in particular body fat and muscle massin bia a weak electric current flows through the body and the voltage is measured in order to calculate impedance resistance of the body. While bmi cant measure fat it does provide an. When you step on the scale an electrical current passes through one leg up to the pelvis and down the other. Measuring the circumference of certain body parts is a simple method of body fat estimation. For your body to function properly it needs a minimum amount of essential fat. Body fat percentage is how much fat is in the body.
It measures body fat accurately in controlled clinical conditions but its performance in the field is inconsistent. For example the us army uses a body fat calculation that simply requires an individuals age height. Fat free mass contains mostly water while fat contains very little water. However the convienience of this method comes at a price of accuracy. Bmi body mass index bmi is perhaps a more reliable indicator of your overall health instead of counting on a body fat scale alone. Bia is simple easy to use and can in theory differentiate between fat mass and fat free mass.
The faster the current travels from one lead to another the more muscle and less fat the person has. Body fat scales use technology called bioelectrical impedance analysis bia. Bia involves running a light electrical current through your body. 3 however that is just the minimum amount. Most body water is stored in muscle. Its found by dividing the fat mass by body weight.
The average adult male body fat percentage should be between 18 and 25. Bia is one of the quickest and easiest methods for predicting body fat. According to various sources the minimum limit of body fat is around 2 5 for men 2 and 10 13 for women. According to the acsm bioelectric impedance analysis bia works by passing a low intensity electric current through the body and measuring its resistance. Bmi refers to the measure of body fat based on a persons weight in relation to their height. As mentioned before measures like the bmi and wc and formulas based on these measurements cannot.
Gallery of Body Fat Measurement Bia
