It could be argued this method provides radiation exposure, but the amount is minor. In an ideal world, DXA would be used exclusively, however this machine is expensive to operate and not very portable. DEXA scans provide a high level of accuracy when assessing bone mineral composition as well as body fat and lean mass levels within the body.”ĭenby adds: “DEXA or DXA is known as the ‘gold standard’ for measuring body composition. The DEXA Scan uses two low energy X-ray beams with short exposure to radiation to penetrate the bone and soft tissue areas to a depth of approximately 30cm. Byrne says: “Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is a highly accurate tool for measuring body composition. Research published in the National Library of Medicine (opens in new tab) shows that DEXA is a reliable tool for calculating body fat. However, accuracy can be lacking if measurements aren’t consistently taken in the same place.” A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (opens in new tab) shows that “there’s debate that the hip-to-waist ratio is a more reliable measure of body composition than waist circumference alone.” Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) “Circumference measurements are also suggested to be reliable indicators of health risk, since greater abdominal fat is linked to increased heart disease risk. This is used to measure around the waist and hips, and therefore doesn’t require excessive training. However, for someone who just wants a rough idea of their body composition, smart scales are a good start since they’re non-invasive, inexpensive and easy to use.”ĭenby says: “Waist circumference or hip-to-waist ratio measurements are the most inexpensive way to calculate body fat, and only require a tape measure. “This method is highly influenced by hydration status as poorly hydrated fat-free tissue will have an increased resistance and may result in a higher than predicted value,” says Byrne.ĭenby adds: “One study (published in the JMIR mHealth and uHealth journal (opens in new tab)) found that the position and size of feet on the scales could alter results. There are a ton of these high tech scales on the market, with varying levels of accuracy. The scales measure the impedance to work out body fat. This electrical signal passes through tissues that contain a large amount of fluids and electrolytes like muscle and blood, and then it faces resistance (known as impedance) when it passes through fat. For that reason the scales shouldn’t be used if you have a pacemaker or osteoporosis. They work by sending a very low level electrical current from the four inbuilt metal electrodes through your body. Now that you know how to use a caliper, you're probably wondering which measurement sites are appropriate for skinfold measurements.Smart scales, or body composition scales, are very accessible and widely available.
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