Working Principle, What is body fat percentage?

3. WORKING PRINCIPLE

■What is body fat percentage?

Body fat percentage is derived from the ratio between the body weight and body fat.

Due to difference in race and region, the charts above are for reference only.

■Original Measure Method:

Body fat percentage used to be measured in several ways:

CALIPER: Using hand-held caliper that exert a standard pressure, the skinfold thickness is measured at various body location.

DEXA: Use a whole body scanner that has x-rays to pass a person’s reclining body to collect the data.

UNDERWATER WEIGHING: This method measures whole body density by determining body volume. There is a variety of equipments available to do underwater weighing. It first requires weighing of a person out of the water and then immersing the person totally in water and weight again. The densities of bone and muscles are higher than water, and fat is less dense than water so a person with more bone and muscle will weigh more in water than a person with more fat.

■Our Method:

BIA We design our method of body fat percentage measuring as BIA (electronic impedance analysis). Body impedance is measured when a small and safe electric signal passes through the body. Body impedance is greatest in fat issue, which fat-free body mass allows the signal to pass through much more easily. Using the impedance measurements along with a person’s height, weight, age and gender, the percentage of body fat and water is calculated.