How To Calculate Body Fat Loss

Body fat loss can be measured in a few ways with different pieces of equipment. Body fat scales and hand-held body fat monitors are the best tools for measuring at home. One of the most important measurements is the body mass index (BMI), which uses weight in relation to height. A person is classified as obese if he has a BMI of 30 or higher. A person is classified as overweight if he has a BMI of 25 to 29.9. BMI doesn't account for where fat is located in the body. A muscular athlete with a low percentage of body fat could have a high BMI.

Step 1

Use a special scale made for measuring weight and body fat, such as those made by Tanita Corp. Set the scale on a flat, smooth surface. Weigh yourself once a week at the same time and under the same conditions. One example is being barefoot and without clothes on. Keep track of the results so you can compare your weekly numbers.

Step 2

If using a hand-held body fat monitor, such as those made by Omron, press the "Start" button, input the data, then stand with your legs shoulder-width apart while holding the monitor in front of you. Within a minute, the results are displayed on the screen.

Step 3

Use online BMI calculators. Go to a website such as the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Obesity Education Initiative (http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/) to use its online BMI calculation tool. Enter the required information and press the "Compute BMI" button.

Step 4

If using a measuring tape or calipers, have someone else take the measurements for you. Take all tape measurements on the right side of the body. Measure the width of the upper arm, upper mid thigh, waist, chest and hips. Keep track of all measurements. As you lose body fat, you should lose inches, so you will be able to monitor your progress.

Calipers are less accurate; they depend on the exact placement of the calipers. Have someone pinch the fat on your upper right arm (biceps and triceps), right mid thigh and the suprailiac region on women. Pinch each area three times for accuracy and record the results.