Home Test For Body Fat Percentage

Your body fat percentage can indicate your risk for heart disease, metabolic disorders or other obesity-related illnesses. Even if you have a normal body mass index, a high body fat percentage could put you at risk for obesity-related disorders, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic defines this condition as "normal weight obesity." In recent years, home tests for body fat percentage have become more widely available. Learn more about these tests before you rely on their results.

Function

Tests for body fat percentage allow you to calculate what percentage of your total body weight constitutes body fat. The remainder of your body weight constitutes lean body mass. According to Health Check Systems, highly athletic to reasonably fit females should have a body fat percentage of about 14 to 24, while highly athletic to reasonably fit males should have a body fat percentage of about 6 to 17. According to the Mayo Clinic, females with a body fat percentage above 30 and males with a body fat percentage above 20 have high levels of body fat.

Types

You can find many different types of body fat analyzers on the market. Body fat calipers allow you to take skin fold measurements to determine your levels of subcutaneous fat. You then plug these measurements into a formula to determine your body fat percentage.

Tanita scales resemble ordinary bathroom scales. To use this body fat analyzer, you must enter your age, gender and height into the scale and then step onto the scale's footpads. Electrodes on the footpads send a signal through your body to determine your body fat percentage based on the information you entered in the scale.

You can also estimate your body fat percentage by entering your weight, height, gender and certain other measurements, such as the circumference of your waist, forearm and calf, into an online body fat percentage calculator. You can find these calculators at websites such as healthyforms.com or bmi-calculator.net.

Considerations

Home body fat tests can be unreliable and difficult to perform. To take measurements with the body fat caliper, you typically need a second person to help you. You must also take precise measurements in specific spots, and you must make sure you take the measurements in the exact same spots each time to measure your progress over time. This process has a high margin of error.

The outcome of most home body tests can change depending on the time of day you take the measurements as well as your hydration level, according to MayoClinic.com. For the best results, weigh yourself and take measurements in the morning.

Expert Insight

Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., suggests you consult your doctor to discuss your body fat percentage rather than attempting to measure it on your own. Laskowski points out that home body fat analyzers will not be as accurate as tests your doctor might be able to perform, such as a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry test, air displacement plethysmography or underwater weighing. These tests remain expensive, however, and are not yet offered at every hospital.

Benefits

Determining your body fat percentage can help you identify your health risks and then take steps to lessen these risks. You can also use your body fat percentage to determine whether or not your weight loss goals are realistic. Many people set out to lose a certain number of pounds. However, your body fat percentage might become unhealthily low if you reach a certain weight. Discuss your weight loss goals in relation to your body fat percentage with your doctor to determine whether your goals are realistic or healthy.