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What is body fat and why is it important to monitor? Body fat is stored energy. When a man measures higher than 20% body fat and a woman measures over 25%, he/she is considered obese. The higher the amount of body fat the higher the risk of serious illness such as heart disease and stroke. Because the body fat amount can not be detected by appearance, it is important to monitor body fat level.
Skinfolds Technique - how to maximise accuracy.
1) All measurements are taken on the right side of the body.
2) Locate site (mark with texta for beginners) and ensure that this is where the fingers pinch the skin.
3) Pinch skin between thumb and index finger so that a fold of skin creates an elevated line in the desired direction.
4) Clamp the calipers perpendicular to the fold and 1 cm lateral or inferior to the thumb and the index finger.
5) Maintain pressure with fingers and calipers reading measurment after 2 seconds.
6) Unclamp calipers from skin; release tension slowly so as not to damage them, then relax thumb and index finger.
7) Take each measurement in sequence and then repeat. Measure a third time if there is more than a 10% discrepancy.
8) Practice makes perfect.
Skinfolds (SKF) measurements can use the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue, to estimate body density; once this is known for an individual, % body fat can be estimated using normative data for their age, gender, race and fitness level. In the medical practice the emphasis is often on the relative fat% indication for specific clients (change in relation to treatment) not on absolute fat%.
Remember: the above information is for general purposes only and should not be construed as definitive or binding medical advice. Because each person is medically different, individuals should consult their own personal physicians for specific information and/or treatment recommendations.
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