How accurate is a Body Fat caliper, thoughts?

[DRSX]

Basically I was wondering how accurate a caliper is, I ordered one today.

I don't see how it could be accurate as we all store fat in different places, I personally got no fat in back/arms/legs however I do have fat in my abdominal area/chest area, mainly the lower abdominal. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this and tell me why it's a good way to measure your BF %. And how do a person determine what is lose skin and what's fat?

I mean even at low BF % you'll still be able to grab the skin and therefore I can't understand how it would be an accurate way of measuring your BF %.

 

I wouldnt know... wish i could help you on this one brother. My knowledge of BMI is limited.

 

[TheOlivetian]

I personally wouldn't recommend a caliper just because of the fact that you stated where not everyone is the same. Also, BMI testing isn't the greatest because of how cheaper testers can be greatly affected by the amount of water in your system. Those machines have failed me many times. I once went from 16% body fat to 8% body fat in a week because of the amount of water I drank beforehand. Safe to say, you shouldn't need one or spend the money on one unless you are trying to get into bodybuilding for shows or competitions or whatever.

 

[Lean]

I personally wouldn't recommend a caliper just because of the fact that you stated where not everyone is the same. Also, BMI testing isn't the greatest because of how cheaper testers can be greatly affected by the amount of water in your system. Those machines have failed me many times. I once went from 16% body fat to 8% body fat in a week because of the amount of water I drank beforehand. Safe to say, you shouldn't need one or spend the money on one unless you are trying to get into bodybuilding for shows or competitions or whatever.

16 to 8 in one week, how?

 

[TheOlivetian]

16 to 8 in one week, how?

Because of my water intake. It fucks with the measurement.

 

[GOgogoGO]

You need to do a DEXA scan aka a bone density scan in order to truly know what your body fat percentage is. Calipers are fun and fairly accurate but just know that there is always going to be a margin of error.

 

[Aestheticz]

I bought one it's trash, just stick to scales/mirror.