Body Fat vs Body Weight

[WillBrink]

One of the most common mistakes people make when dieting is to look only at body weight when what they should be tracking is body fat. Fat is what you are trying to lose when on a diet, and it's fat that needs to be tracked. I cover that topic in my latest vid: Body Fat Testing

[bsf]

I was aware of the mentioned methods of measurement, but always discounted those Accu-Measure devices as junk. I have never accurately monitored BF% because I did not feel I had any fiscally viable means of doing so. I used to have it measured by caliper method occasionally at a gym I previously used. The inconsistency in results indicated inaccuracy though. Maybe I will give this Accu-Measure doohickey a try. I do not care much about absolute measurements. If I can just accurately monitor change, I will be content.

Just to verify, is the product at the following link the device you mention?

http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-F.../dp/B000G7YW74

[WillBrink]

I was aware of the mentioned methods of measurement, but always discounted those Accu-Measure devices as junk. I have never accurately monitored BF% because I did not feel I had any fiscally viable means of doing so. I used to have it measured by caliper method occasionally at a gym I previously used. The inconsistency in results indicated inaccuracy though. Maybe I will give this Accu-Measure doohickey a try. I do not care much about absolute measurements. If I can just accurately monitor change, I will be content.

Just to verify, is the product at the following link the device you mention?

http://www.amazon.com/Accu-Measure-F.../dp/B000G7YW74

Yup, that's it. There have been several studies comparing them to multi site with high end calipers, and they fare very well.

[chuckman]

Understanding the difference between body weight and body fat isn't rocket science; however, a lot of people and organizations, SMART people and organizations, have a hard time reconciling the two. Don't even get me started with what/how the military thinks about this....

[WillBrink]

Understanding the difference between body weight and body fat isn't rocket science; however, a lot of people and organizations, SMART people and organizations, have a hard time reconciling the two.

Yes, it's called the BMI

See: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=34225

Don't even get me started with what/how the military thinks about this....

I have a whole write up on that, got find it.

[Dos Cylindros]

Yes, it's called the BMI

See: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=34225



I have a whole write up on that, got find it.

How I hate the BMI. I actually fit into my "correct BMI," but I am a long distance runner rather than a weight lifter and my resistance training is held to body weight exercises such as pull ups, sit ups, push ups and dips in various forms.

I always laugh when guys like NFL running backs, line backers and such are considered morbidly over weight by BMI standards, when in reality their body fat percentage, cardio capacity and muscle mass would put most hard core weight lifters and gym rats to shame.

[chuckman]

I understand the intent of the mil's body fat policy; however, I have seen far, far too many good Marines and Sailors, tactically and technicially proficient, and absolute PT studs, get kicked out or have stellar careers derailed by the mechanations of a very poorly written policy. Yes, I am on a soapbox.

[WillBrink]

How I hate the BMI. I actually fit into my "correct BMI," but I am a long distance runner rather than a weight lifter and my resistance training is held to body weight exercises such as pull ups, sit ups, push ups and dips in various forms.

I always laugh when guys like NFL running backs, line backers and such are considered morbidly over weight by BMI standards, when in reality their body fat percentage, cardio capacity and muscle mass would put most hard core weight lifters and gym rats to shame.

I'm obese by BMI standards also.

[WillBrink]

I understand the intent of the mil's body fat policy; however, I have seen far, far too many good Marines and Sailors, tactically and technicially proficient, and absolute PT studs, get kicked out or have stellar careers derailed by the mechanations of a very poorly written policy. Yes, I am on a soapbox.

And there's solid data to support what you are saying and seeing:

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=61235

[Dos Cylindros]

Will;

Just picked up a set of the accu measure calipers based on your review, and I was very impressed. My home body fat scale puts me regularly at 7.8 to 8.0%, depending on my hydration levels at the time. When I had my body fat done by caliper (7 point) at a local training center I came out at 9.5%. The accu measure calipers put me right at 9.5% for the price of $8.00. These are great, to give you a general idea of how you are maintaining, gaining or loosing. Thanks a bunch.