If you’re here, you probably want to know your body fat percentage. Chances are, you’re looking for an accurate way to measure, calculate, or test it. You may have come across options like scales and handheld devices that use bioelectrical impedance (BIA), skinfold testing with calipers, online calculators, hydrostatic weighing, bod pod, or DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry). However, it’s important to note that even the best methods are not perfectly accurate.
Every method for measuring body fat percentage is capable of being significantly inaccurate, as shown by studies (sources here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here). Each method may result in a body fat measurement that is off by 8% in either direction, misinform about fat or muscle gain/loss, and inaccurately track changes in body fat percentage over time.
This means that no method can provide a perfectly accurate measurement. In fact, the only way to achieve a perfectly accurate measurement would be to allow someone to kill you, dissect you, and weigh out your body parts. Obviously, this is not a viable option and is highly discouraged.
However, the good news is that a perfectly accurate measurement of body fat percentage is not necessary. Instead, what we really need is a pretty good estimate, and this can be attained through two methods.
The first method involves getting a visual estimate from a knowledgeable and experienced coach who can provide an estimate by evaluating a few pictures. The second method involves doing your own visual estimate by comparing yourself to accurate examples of various body fat percentages.
Both of these methods are preferred over other, less accurate options. When doing a visual estimate, one problem you may encounter is the lack of accurate reference pictures. Many pictures available online are not accurate. That is why the Body Fat Percentage Picture Guide was created to solve these issues.
This guide includes 70+ pictures for men and women showing full body examples of different body fat percentages, catering to people with varying muscle mass. It also provides additional information on building muscle, losing fat, or recomp, making it a preferable option compared to other methods available.
Therefore, if you are looking for a better option to get an estimate of your body fat percentage, check out The Body Fat Percentage Picture Guide now!
